General Assistance Specialist

Under supervision, performs duties in implementation and support of the General Assistance Program serving low-income persons in need of rent, utility, funeral or other emergency assistance.  Reviews and determines initial and continuing eligibility based on established guidelines. Assesses need and provides referrals for financial help, counseling and social services to community-based providers and other public assistance programs.  

• General office procedures and practices
• Community organizations and services available to meet the needs of low income residents
• Federal, State and local resources including Supplemental Security Income, Family Investment Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and other programs
• Techniques of interviewing, including accurately collecting, evaluating, verifying and recording information
• Record keeping and filing systems 
• English language to include grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and vocabulary skills

Ability to:

• Learn, apply, and articulate departmental policies and procedures
• Make logical decisions based on interpretations of program rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate
• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner  
• Sort and file a variety of materials following a designated system
• Collect data, maintain records, and prepare reports 
• Be detail-oriented and accurate when working with documents and information
• Follow oral and written instructions
• Perform clerical tasks with a moderate degree of speed and accuracy
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, clients, other social service agencies, and the general public
• Provide customer service that is courteous and responsive 
• Communicate effectively with persons representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests, and points of view
• Use a computer for the purposes of data entry, spreadsheets and word processing 
• Operate common office equipment such as typewriters, calculators, fax and postage machines, photocopiers, multi-line telephones and scanners 
• Organize and present factual information and ideas or opinions clearly and concisely, in oral or written form
• Handle low to moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position
• Stand, sit, squat, kneel, bend, twist, and reach as needed
• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds as needed
• Have clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication
• Have sufficient vision which permits heavy production and review of a wide variety of materials in both electronic and hardcopy forms
• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits moderate use of a keyboard and mouse
• Work flexible schedule and occasional additional time as needed

Associate’s degree in a human services field (including, but not limited to psychology, social work and sociology AND two (2) years of experience in human services work involving public contact, obtaining, analyzing, and evaluating data; OR any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.  Experience working with low-income individuals preferred. 
 
Special requirements: Must pass background check. Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage.  May also require use of personal vehicle or equivalent transportation for official business.to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation 
 
The following duties are normal for this position.   These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.
 

• Interprets and explains general assistance program to applicants, clients, and the public.
• Interviews applicants in the office and other locations as needed, and assists with completion of the application and declaration forms upon which eligibility for assistance decisions are based. 
• Elicits and verifies pertinent information from various sources including income, residence, owned property, dependents, employment history, financial resources, and physical or mental disability.
• Reviews applications and declarations for completeness and accuracy; assists applicants and recipients to obtain additional information, and to resolve discrepancies.
• Determines eligibility for assistance in accordance with federal and state laws, established policies and procedures.
• Prepares and maintains records and documentation for individual client files.   
• Provides information, referrals and aid in accessing supportive services.  Provides follow up to ensure consumer accessed needed services.
• Empowers economic opportunity and improves wellbeing for individuals and families by assisting with reducing barriers to affordable housing, education, transportation, financial resources, childcare, healthcare, and support services.
• Assists job seekers in securing employment by addressing barriers to workplace participation.
• Collaborates with area service organizations to effectively coordinate services for individuals and families.
• Assists individuals with the completion of applications for various assistance programs.
• Participates in community-based coalitions and committees as appropriate.
• Prepares and distributes vouchers for payment of services.
• Communicates with vendors including landlords and utility companies when processing applications.  
• Answers and directs telephone calls and responds to questions from callers and walk-ins seeking help or information.
• Performs general clerical duties such as photocopying, filing, faxing, typing, and deliveries. 
• Provides back-up for co-workers including, but not limited to, the Clerk and Social Workers.
• Participates in training/educational opportunities and work-related meetings.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreement, and safety practices.
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time.

For questions regarding this position please contact Ines Beltre at ibeltre@johnsoncountyiowa.gov

Salary : $52,395 - $70,413