Self-Sufficiency Specialist 4 @ Virginia Department of Social Services

Title Description- Self- Sufficiency Specialist IV represents the leadership level in the occupational group. Employees perform responsible lead work related to the benefit programs and employment services or for employment services. Employees in this class are responsible for serving as lead worker and providing training and guidance to other Self-Sufficiency Specialists in benefit programs and employment services. Employees in this class serve as support for the supervisor by performing tasks such as ensuring staff coverage, workload balance, training staff, reviewing case files, and providing back-up supervision of staff. Employees may provide consultation on complex cases and may also work on complex case assignments which require dealing with information that is sensitive and confidential. Employees work within established policies, procedures and guidelines with a high degree of independence, seeking supervisory assistance only in unusually complicated and difficult cases/situations. Employees are dedicated wholly to Employment Services or to a combination of Benefits and Employment Services. The Self-Sufficiency Specialist IV is distinguished from the Supervisor by the latter’s spending a majority of time in supervisory activities such as handling personnel issues, problems, and evaluating the work of others.

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) –

Serves as lead worker and assists supervisor by conducting program training for staff, reviewing case files and providing back-up supervision of staff;
Serves as a resource to staff by answering questions related to policies and procedures, suggesting effective methods of case management, and providing consultation regarding complex cases;
Prepares case records and reports;
Works on the most complex and sensitive cases;
Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the employment program and various benefit programs and assists staff;
Coordinates training programs and orientation for new employees and clients;
Coordinates and interacts with other community resources and partners for job readiness and development
Coordinates job readiness and job search training, career assessment and planning, motivational counseling, child care, transportation, housing, financial assistance or other purchased services to meet customer employment goals; and
Facilitate motivational and job readiness programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge- Comprehensive knowledge of: applicable laws, codes, policies, and procedures, including civil and Circuit Court procedures; basic human behavior, social problems and resources, and interviewing techniques; social, economic, health, and cultural factors which can serve as barriers to employment; and counseling techniques.

Skills- Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.

Abilities- Demonstrated ability to: lead, coach and train other self-sufficiency specialists; establish effective working relationships with applicants, recipients, co-workers, other agencies and the public; interpret financial assistance programs; express oneself tactfully, clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; function independently within established policies, procedures and guidelines, and to exercise sound judgment and resourcefulness in meeting difficult, non-routine situations; make mathematical computations; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; meet prescribed timeframes; solve problems; and gather and analyze facts and report them accurately.

Education and Experience- Same as required in Self-Sufficiency Specialist III with additional work experience in a leadership role and benefit programs or employment services OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Self-Sufficiency Specialist 4

Virginia Department of Social Services

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