Position Information

Arlington County Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a full-time Eligibility Worker to determine eligibility of individuals and families for a variety of complex federal, state, and/or local financial assistance programs by reviewing applications, conducting client interviews, and collecting the necessary information to determine program eligibility.

Duties include:

• Performing in-depth evaluation of social and financial circumstances;
• Searching automated database systems to determine prior services provided;
• Explaining eligibility programs (i.e., SNAP, Medical Assistance and TANF), program parameters, client's rights and responsibilities to clients and families;
• Referring clients to additional services to help meet needs;
• Interpreting complex regulations with frequently changing policies and procedures for issuing timely and accurate benefits;
• Connecting childcare families with vendors/providers;
• Completing service plans for childcare case which includes establishing the need for childcare services; and
• Providing consumer education to assist parents in making informed choices about childcare.

The employee will have substantial client contact both on the phone and in person as well as frequent contact with internal and external sources to collect, confirm, and verify client information. The successful candidate will have strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate with individuals who have varied backgrounds, experience, language capabilities and needs. Success in these positions also requires flexibility to accommodate frequent changes in policy regulations and casework needs, the ability to organize and analyze information, mathematical computation skills, and the ability to work independently and function under pressure. Services are provided to families and individuals, many of whom are from diverse cultural backgrounds with limited English fluency.

Arlington County DHS is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to: cultural identity, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.

To learn more about our services, please click here.

Selection Criteria

Minimums:

• Bachelor's degree in a Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, etc.) or other directly related field; and
• Some experience in eligibility determination, employment interviewing, social work, casework, or other closely related work.

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience can substitute for the education requirement. A Master's degree in a directly related field may substitute for up to one year of experience.

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Working in the Virginia Public Welfare System applying state regulations and requirements for determining benefit eligibility;
• Determining eligibility for financial assistance, medical assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or other closely related public assistance programs;
• Interpreting and communicating complex policies and procedures;
• Summarizing data using MS Excel; and/or
• Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Special Requirements

Background check: A pre-hire background check will be made on all candidates who are selected for employment. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

The candidates selected will be required to complete a State of Virginia Central Registry check.

Covid-19 Vaccination: Arlington County Government is committed to the health, safety, and wellness for all staff. In support of that commitment, all current and newly hired employees are required to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination. For those qualified employees with a disability or sincerely held religious belief which prohibits them from receiving a vaccine, you will be able to contact the Office of Human Rights to request a reasonable accommodation. Adherence to this policy is a condition of employment.

Applicant must possess, or obtain by the time of appointment, a valid motor vehicle operator's license from the applicant's place of residence or the applicant must have the ability and willingness to use alternative methods of transportation to perform assigned duties and responsibilities at locations other than the primary worksite. If the applicant possesses or acquires a license, the applicant must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent on a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Additional Information

Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Eligible for some Telework.

Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Please do not give, "see resume", as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

This announcement may be used to fill immediate and future vacancies within the Public Assistance Bureau and/or the Housing Assistance Bureau. Current vacancies exist within the Public Assistance Bureau.

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