Temporary Human Services Specialist for Energy Assistance

Introduction

Are you passionate about helping others and making a meaningful impact in your community? Do you bring strong customer service skills and want to grow your career in a role that truly matters? If so, we invite you to join a team dedicated to supporting vulnerable adults and their families!

The Prince William County Department of Social Services, Customer Support and Services (CSS) team, is seeking a motivated and customer-focused professional to serve as a Temporary Human Services Specialist to deliver information, guidance, and support to individuals who rely on our services every day.

About This Role:

The ideal candidate works on the Energy Assistance team and is responsible for interviewing applicants, determining program eligibility, processing applications, entering case data, maintaining accurate documentation, and providing quality customer service for households seeking utility and fuel assistance. The position requires strong attention to detail, knowledge of eligibility procedures, the ability to manage a high-volume workload, and the ability to effectively communicate with clients, vendors, and partner agencies.

We are looking for an individual who is detail-oriented and thrives in a fast-paced environment. The Human Services Specialist must be able to work both independently and collaboratively to deliver excellent service to customers and staff. The candidate must have strong computer skills and be able to navigate between various state and county computer systems, as well as communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. If you’d like to become part of a team committed to making lives better, apply now!

Typical tasks:

• Receive and process Energy Assistance applications for programs such as heating, cooling, crisis, and fuel assistance
• Review applications and supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy
• Verify eligibility using program policies, procedures, and automated systems
• Request missing information and follow up with applicants in a timely manner
• Enter case information into the case management system accurately and efficiently
• Calculate benefits and determine the appropriate level of assistance based on program guidelines
• Explain program requirements, eligibility rules, and next steps to applicants in a clear and professional manner
• Provide customer service by phone and through written communication
• Respond to client questions, concerns, and complaints with professionalism and empathy
• Maintain detailed case notes and documentation of actions taken
• Coordinate with utility vendors, fuel providers, landlords, and community partners as needed
• Process emergency or crisis requests within required timeframes
• Monitor deadlines and manage a high-volume caseload during peak application seasons
• Identify and refer clients to other supportive services and community resources when appropriate
• Protect confidential client information and ensure compliance with privacy requirements
• Review case actions for quality, accuracy, and policy compliance
• Assist with resolving case discrepancies, overpayments, or application issues
• Support outreach efforts to inform the public about available assistance programs
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and policy updates to stay current on program changes
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or G.E.D and 2 years of customer service-related experience.

Preferences:

• 2 or more years of experience in the following:

• Experience providing customer service in an organization that serves vulnerable individuals and families
• Experience working with Virginia Case Management System (VaCMS)

• One year of experience working in a public assistance office
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal social services programs

• Proficiency in using computer systems, office applications, and telecommunication software
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Bilingual in English and another language

Special Requirements:

• All DSS staff are required to provide emergency human services work, including staffing emergency shelters in the event of a community disaster.
• Candidates must pass criminal history, child protective services and DMV background checks.
• Resource/foster parents for youth in the Prince William foster-care program may not be employed by the Prince William Dept of Social Services. Resource/foster parents for youth from other localities are welcome to apply.
• Staff in this position must possess a valid driver’s license and be eligible to drive for work.
• Staff in this position are eligible to telework but may be required to report to the office intermittently. Telework eligibility is subject to change as business needs warrant; there is no future guarantee of telework.

Work Schedule:

37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

This is a hybrid work position with most work performed off-site. However, staff may be required to report to the office on an intermittent basis (e.g., for meetings or trainings).

Hiring Hourly Range: $25.44 to $36.98

Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

SEE YOURSELF HERE!