Economic Assistance Benefits Specialist

This position assesses and analyzes current life circumstances and financial capabilities to provide assistance and services to low income individuals and their families by interviewing, counseling, and identifying available resources; obtaining records, verifying collateral information and determining eligibility for multiple social service programs; responding to public inquiries regarding social services and benefits; and interpreting rules, regulations, and policies to ensure appropriate benefits and services are provided in an effective and expedient manner to assist in the individual’s basic self-sufficiency.

NCRC

: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Local Office.

To be considered, you must complete a DSS questionnaire, specific to this job, and attach it to your application.

Steps:
Click

http://bhr.sd.gov/dss/QEABenefitsSpecialist.pdf

to access the questionnaire.

Complete the questionnaire and save.

Attach the questionnaire to the attachments section of your application as the DSS Questionnaire document type.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
A bachelor’s degree in social science or behavioral science, or other human service related fields, business administration, public administration, education or public health is strongly preferred. Experience in a human service related field, health care administration, finance, accounting, or insurance may be considered as applicable to the entry-level knowledge, skills and abilities.

Knowledge of:
basic mathematical calculation methods;

various social, cultural, economic, psychological and emotional factors influencing the behavior and attitudes of families and individuals (preferred but not required);

principles, practices and methods of social programs (preferred by not required).

Ability to:
mulit-task and thrive in a deadline driven environment;

prepare clear and concise documentation, reports, and correspondence that reflect relevant facts;

demonstrate compassion, respect, courtesy and tact when interacting with others;

gather and analyze data, reason logically and accurately, and solve problems using common sense, reasoning and resourcefulness;

actively listen, elicit needed information, and communicate information effectively and accurately;

plan and organize work to meet schedules and deadlines and respond and adjust to multiple demands;

utilize computerized data systems;

assume initiative with minimal supervision.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE ELIGIBLE

The State of South Dakota offers paid employee health insurance plus ten paid holidays, generous vacation leave accrual, and medical, dental, vision, and other benefits. For more information visit

http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus/workbenefits.aspx