What are the responsibilities and job description for the SNAP Case Worker - Pittsfield position at State of Massachusetts - Department of...?
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is seeking individuals with a passion for human services for the position of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Case Worker. Our ideal candidates will provide exceptional customer service to all DTA clients, in an action-based “first available worker” model that is consistent with DTA’s self-sufficiency mission. All selected candidates will demonstrate the ability to successfully navigate a fast-paced work environment.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):
- Assist clients with the determination of initial and ongoing eligibility for transitional assistance programs and employment services.
- Perform all SNAP casework in an action-based “first available worker” process, through assigned queues.
- Ensure all assigned tasks are accurate and completed to the furthest point of completion.
- Conduct interactive interviews; utilize the agency’s PC based eligibility system to obtain and verify client information.
- Perform all tasks related to case maintenance and case management, including assisting with additional assistance for benefits referrals to other state agencies, health care providers, and other resources to support individuals and families as necessary.
- Prepare and deliver explanations of eligibility decisions.
- Evaluate and monitor client cases to ensure compliance with applicable rules, regulations and guidelines.
IMPORTANT: This is a state-wide posting. Offers of employment will be made based on agency staffing needs and may not match location preference.
Knowledge of the principles and correct usage of the English language involved in writing narratives, including grammar, spelling, sentence structure, word meaning and punctuation.- Knowledge of basic mathematics.
- Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
- Knowledge of referral sources available for providing services to clients, including available community support and social services resources.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to prioritize and organize several tasks.
- Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.
- Ability to gather information in accordance with established procedures, through questioning and observing individuals and by examining records and documents.
- Strong oral and written abilities to communicate with others, maintain accurate records, and use discretion in handling confidential information; ability to write concisely with a clear expression of thoughts and the development of ideas in logical sequence.
- Ability to determine the applicability of client data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
- Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others in a team setting and function successfully in group situations.
- Ability to understand persons from different ethnic, cultural and/or economic backgrounds and demonstrate empathy toward those with physical and/or emotional stress while maintaining a calm manner in stressful and/or emergency situations.
- Ability to work under adverse conditions.
- Ability to use personal computer (PC) based systems and applications.
- Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.
TO APPLY: Please upload both your Resume and Cover Letter. First consideration will be given to those applicants who apply within the first 14 days.
About The Department of Transitional Assistance:
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) assists and empowers low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. The Department serves 1 in 9 people in the state with food and economic assistance and opportunities to find jobs and further their training. The Department's 1,600 staff help clients by processing benefits, connecting clients with resources, ensuring programs are operating well, providing legal counsel, developing policy, and holding fair hearings.
Learn more about our services and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dta
Pre-Hire Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form
For questions, please the contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or paraprofessional experience in social work or social casework, claims adjudication, job placement, recruitment, employment counseling, vocational or rehabilitation counseling, credit investigation, educational counseling, legal advocacy, or legal counseling.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
A Bachelor's or higher degree may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.
One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
LICENSES: Based on assignment, travel may be required. Those employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
