Social Services Program Specialist- Public Assistance

JOB Provides support through available social service program(s) to eligible clients (e.g., families for crisis stabilization, participants in public benefit programs, individuals with child support orders, job seekers, vulnerable populations); meets with families/clients; coordinates services; refers to additional resources. Conducts home studies; interviews individuals pursuant to policy, (e.g., parents, children, relatives, teachers, and physicians); gathers and reviews income and resource verifications, employment and training records, police reports, psychological reports, court records, and other pertinent records; determines the relevant information for each case; coordinates and transports volunteers or community service workers to activities; prepares and maintains records, statistics, reports (e.g. reports for court, state and federal mandated reports) and informational materials; assesses mental/emotional status of individuals utilizing standardized tests and/or determines appropriate counseling technique; develops and coordinates individualized safety, self-sufficiency, employment and/or treatment plans; participates on interdisciplinary teams; testifies in court; facilitates and attends meetings; interfaces with other agencies and community groups coordinating needs and services; responds to inquiries; makes presentations and prepares informal and formal communications.
Works under general supervision & requires considerable knowledge of social work, departmental regulations, policies, procedures; state and federal regulations; crisis intervention, counseling and interviewing of client’s activities related to the assigned social service program as a part of the delivery of the program to participants/clients. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES (These duties are illustrative only. Incumbents may perform some or all of these duties or other job-related duties as assigned.)

Processes eligibility for Public Assistance (PA) programs in accordance with county, state, and federal guidelines. Gathers information, conducts interactive interviews, and determines benefit level for all PA programs including but not limited to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid during application, reapplication, and in response to case changes, alerts and data matches, quality reviews, and investigative results. Conducts in-person, phone, and electronic interviews. Requests verifications, contacts third parties, and reviews document submissions. Assists customers and responds to inquiries at the front reception desk, on the phone, and electronically. Coordinates with other agency divisions and local service providers to serve common customers. Makes referrals to community resources. Computes budgets in accordance with governing rules and regulations (ORC, OAC, procedures). Creates thorough and detailed case management documentation. Maintains records and files. Determines underpayments and overpayments. Pursues collection of overpaid benefits. Investigates case discrepancies and complaint referrals for fraudulent misrepresentation. Conducts investigative interviews. Pursues administrative and legal penalties for intentional program violations. Represents agency and provides evidence in state hearings. Maintains confidentiality of protected client information.
Maintains current knowledge of program rules and changes through routine emails and trainings. Attends meetings and trainings relevant to programs and services provided. May represent agency at community events.
Performs other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor, Division Administrator, and/or Director. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Predictable and regular attendance is required.
Travel may be required.
Stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
PCN# 94009