Job Description
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Senior Assistance Office Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Case Worker. Our ideal candidate will be responsible for completing SNAP eligibility determination related activities while providing excellent customer service to senior citizens. They will perform all SNAP casework in an action-based "first available worker" business model, through assigned queues in processing, phone, and outreach.
Anticipated start date is 4/16/2024. Please Note: Selected candidates are required to work fulltime in office for the first 18 weeks in this role.
DTA attracts people passionate about public service, who love to work in a fast-paced environment, and who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
Provide clear communication and service to senior SNAP applicants and clients in an accurate, timely, and respectful manner. Assist eligible senior clients in obtaining additional assistance by providing resources and referring to other available programs, such as Cash assistance or medical assistance. Assist in increasing the number of senior individuals participating in SNAP.Complete comprehensive medical expense reviews. Work to decrease access barriers and complete all tasks related to eligibility determination.Ensure all tasks assigned are accurate and completed to the farthest point of completion.Conduct interactive interviews; utilizing the agency's PC based eligibility system.Obtain and verify client information.Utilize Interpreter at all times when necessary. Evaluate cases to ensure compliance with applicable rules, regulations and guidelines.Report all Elder Abuse issues to the appropriate Domestic violence specialist immediately.Ensure all clients are made aware of ADA services provided by the required staff.
Required Qualifications:
Demonstrates knowledge of DTA benefits and services including eligibility requirements. Proven ability to communicate effectively with clients, and knowledge of barriers and issues that affect the health and well-being of seniors. Knowledge of community resources and social service resources for seniors. Demonstrates knowledge of the social and economic barriers of the diverse client population and the related impact on self-sufficiency, the economically disadvantaged and behavioral issues.Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing agency operations, assigned unit activities and eligibility for financial assistance.Ability to gather and assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures, through interviewing individuals and by examining records and documents.Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and maintain accurate records.Ability to determine the applicability of client data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.Ability to deal tactfully, 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.Ability to demonstrate empathy toward those with physical and/or emotional stress and maintain a calm manner in stressful and/or emergency situations.Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.Ability to work under adverse working conditions and demonstrate problem solving skills. Ability to use personal computer (PC) based systems and applications.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to utilize more complex applications of the laws, rules, regulations, programs, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing agency operations and assigned unit activities. Knowledge of continuing changes in laws, rules, regulations, programs, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing agency operations and assigned unit activities. Advanced ability to communicate effectively with seniors. Advanced knowledge of barriers and issues that affect the health and well-being of seniors. Advanced knowledge of community resources for seniors. Understanding of basic components of outreach.Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency in English and Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Cantonese or Vietnamese.
Agency Mission:
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs to low-income residents of the Commonwealth. DTA is committed to providing a high level of service to all those in need. The mission of the Department is to assist and empower 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 out of every seven people in Massachusetts - including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, economic assistance, and employment supports.
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 Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form
For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.
Qualifications
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.
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.