Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Case Worker – Northern Region – Continuous Posting

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Case Worker – Northern Region – Continuous Posting – (240004YG)

Description

Are you looking to change careers? Are you a people person? Are you a customer service rock star? Do you enjoy helping others? Look no further! 

The Department of Transitional Assistance is searching for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Case Workers. If you are interested in helping Massachusetts residents gain self-sufficiency and economic stability, then this could be the beginning of a great career with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In other words, this role is for individuals who enjoy working with people, are computer savvy, and can develop rapport with clients by phone while simultaneously entering data — you must be capable of multitasking.

SNAP Case Workers will receive extensive training and support prior to case assignment. At the end of the training, they will be proficient in determining initial and ongoing eligibility, case management and maintenance activities, and helping clients access services that could stabilize their situation. 

DTA attracts people who are passionate about public service, love to work in a fast-paced environment, and are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):

• Assist clients with determining 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 complete to the farthest completion point.
• 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.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the principles and correct English language usage 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.
• Knowledge of the social and economic problems of the diverse client population and their related impact on employability and self-sufficiency, for example, the employment problems of minorities and the economically disadvantaged, and behavioral problems that form barriers to employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to prioritize and organize several tasks.
• Aptitude 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.
• Capacity to gather information using established procedures, interview and observe individuals, and examine 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 a logical sequence.
• Competence to determine the applicability of client data, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
• Aptitude to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others in a team setting and function successfully in group situations.
• Ability to understand people from different ethnic, cultural, and/or economic backgrounds and demonstrate empathy toward those with physical and/or emotional stress while maintaining calm in stressful and/or emergency situations.
• Capacity to work under adverse conditions.
• Adept with personal computer (PC) based systems and applications.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

Agency Mission:

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. DTA serves one in six residents of the Commonwealth with direct economic assistance (cash benefits) and food assistance (SNAP benefits), as well as workforce training opportunities.

Learn more about our services and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dta

Pre-Offer 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.

Qualifications

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.

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.

Official Title: Ben Elig & Refer Soc Wrk (A/B)

Primary Location

: United States-Massachusetts-Lawrence – 280 Merrimack St

Job

: Community and Social Services

Agency

: Department of Transitional Assistance

Schedule

: Full-time

Shift

: Day

Job Posting

: May 6, 2024, 7:48:35 PM

Salary

: 59,527.52 – 81,067.48 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: EmmaLee Pallai/EmmaLee.Pallai@mass.gov – 6173488416

Bargaining Unit: 08-SEIU – Local 509 – Social/Rehabilitation

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes

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