The Position

Incumbent works under the direction of a General Assistance Supervisor or designee, determining eligibility for various assistance programs based on strict adherence to established procedures and guidelines.

Essential Functions

• Determine eligibility (e.g. conduct interviews, complete/review applications, investigate/confirm information, and create/maintain case files, documents, budgets) for Douglas County assistance programs.
• Explain and advise responsibilities, requirements and expectations of the program to applicants/clients.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with clients, supervisors, County employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, other agencies, and the public.
• Comply with Civil Service policies and regulations, collective bargaining agreements, County policies, department policies and laws to create a cooperative, safe, respectful and quality work environment.
• Analyze, interpret and adhere to written guidelines, procedures, and directives.
• Maintain extensive knowledge of department programs/requirements.
• Adhere to department guidelines, procedures, mandates and state/federal laws and regulations.
• Answer phone calls, screen for potential eligibility, explain eligibility requirements and available services, answer questions/inquiries, schedule appointments, and/or refer to community programs/resources.
• Maintain assigned caseload and productivity level requirements, managing and monitoring client records, scanned documents and phone calls.
• Ensure confidentiality and security of client records.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle when required to travel on County business.
• Report to work at assigned location with regular, consistent attendance.
• Perform other duties as directed and assigned.

Education and Work Experience and Other Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.*
• Two (2) years of experience in social assistance programs, casework or program eligibility determination required.*
• One (1) year experience with MS Office required.
• Valid driver’s license and own transportation upon hire and maintained throughout employment required.
• Completion of a pre-employment criminal record check and conditional offer drug screen required.
• Equivalent combination of education and work experience may be substituted for requirements on a year-for-year basis.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work is generally performed in an office setting and occasionally onsite at various locations. Noise level is usually moderate and occasionally loud. Work hours are typically standard day-shift hours; however, schedule may vary (e.g. days, hours, overtime/additional hours). Work involves potential exposure to noxious/offensive odors, bodily fluids, and infectious materials. Work may be stressful when dealing with time constraints, multiple/changing priorities, limited resources and uncooperative/irate individuals.
• Work requires physical activity including extended periods of walking, standing, occasional climbing, reaching, carrying, balancing, kneeling, crouching and bending. Work also requires the ability to frequently lift/carry objects weighing up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
• Required sensory abilities include vision, hearing and touch. Visual abilities, correctable to normal ranges, include close, distance and color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Communication abilities include the ability to talk and hear within normal ranges. Incumbent must possess the hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computers and other equipment.

Douglas County is an EOE - Disability/Veterans