Proposal for a developmental HSS1

Transcription

1 Proposal for a developmental HSS1 History: Currently SPD uses OS2 as their clerical staff. CAF/SSP generally uses HSS1s. OS2 s are restricted to general clerical work while HSS1 s can perform simple eligibility decision making and take certain actions on cases. Because of the restrictions of the OS2 position, SPD support staff are unable to gain the skills that could help them advance to the HSS3 position. Our OS2 s are leaving the department for promotion opportunities. The OS2 and HSS1 positions are at the same classification level. Reasons for proposal: HSS3 s carry a heavy case load and currently have to attend to functions that HSS1 s can perform (see Duties section). Under this proposal, client s should get their expedited Food Stamps more timely, HSS3 s will have time to attend to other duties, OS2 s will gain the skills needed to make them competitive and will stay with the department (less turn around). Selection process: We will open the opportunity to support staff currently working in An announcement will go out with a response deadline. If more then one person requests the position, we will have a simple interview process. The branch managers will make the final decision. I see this developmental as being a 6 month opportunity. Duties: I see this position as being similar to the Case Manager s Case Aid. This person would continue to perform regular clerical work when needed or available; some of their currently duties may need to be shifted to other OS2 s. Their new duties would include, but would not be limited to: Screening applications and asking questions to clarify and complete Screen applications for expedited eligibility. If client is eligible, HSS1 will issue the Food Stamps and narrate Be available to make collateral calls to landlord, employers, other state agencies, etc. Send denial notices as requested Process monthly reports as requested Make calls to locate community resources Make simple changes to cases such as address and phone numbers, adding babies, citizenship verifications, etc. Narrate all their actions Supervision: I am willing to take over supervision of this position. I would use the Lead, formal trainings, coaching from other appropriate staff, and myself to provide the needed training. Support: I have spoken with Pat Donovan (Lead) who believes if the correct person was selected and the correct training was given, having a HSS1 could be of great help for the HSS3 s.

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3 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS To meet a specific emergent need, the HUMAN SERVICES SPECIALIST (HSS) 1 decides eligibility for and issues emergency food stamps, cash, or medical assistance. The HSS 1 also refers applicants to other agency or other public programs or community resources. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES This is the first level of a four-level series. Lack of deciding initial and ongoing eligibility for and issuing benefits for assistance and related medical programs (e.g., Food Stamps, Oregon Health Plan) distinguishes this class from the next higher level. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed below are not inclusive but characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this class. Individual positions may perform all or some combination of the duties listed below as well as other related duties. 1. Eligibility Determination Reviews application form. Questions applicant to get information to verify and supplement form. Clarifies incomplete or unclear information. Explains rules, regulations, procedures, and responsibilities. Tells applicant of needed documents (e.g., social security card, birth certificate, naturalization papers) and helps secure by contacting appropriate source. Contacts collateral sources (e.g., landlords, employers, medical providers, other States' eligibility workers) to get or verify information. Applies guidelines to decide eligibility for emergency cash, medical assistance, or food stamps. Computes amount of benefits and completes narratives and documents needed to issue benefits. If ineligible, denies benefits and explains reasons for ineligibility. Testifies at administrative hearings to give general information or reasons for denying benefits. 2. Referral Runs group orientation meetings for new applicants. As appropriate, makes appointments for applicants with other branch staff. Refers

4 applicants to other Federal, State, or county programs or community resources. 3. General Support Activities Reviews eligibility for food stamps by processing monthly reports. Transfers figures from monthly reports to payment documents and processes quarterly wage match computer printouts. Returns report forms to clients for additional information, as needed. Answers questions for drop-in clients. Uses computer terminal for inquiry and to key data. Backs up other eligibility workers. RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS The Human Services Specialist 1 has daily in-person contact with applicants for assistance and agency clients to give information about agency, other public, or community assistance programs and to get information to determine initial eligibility for emergency assistance. The HSS 1 has daily telephone contact with collateral sources (some of whom may be uncooperative or hostile) to verify client information. There is also weekly telephone contact with eligibility workers in other States to get or verify information and occasional in-person contact with Hearings Officers and Legal Aid representatives when testifying at administrative hearings. SUPERVISION RECEIVED The Human Services Specialist 1 receives general supervision from a unit supervisor or branch manager who reviews work through informal conferences, monthly random case audits, and results of random quality control reviews by regional quality control staff. Work review is for accuracy, timeliness, completeness, and compliance with Federal and State statutes and regulations, and agency policies, procedures, and guidelines. The supervisor reviews referrals to other programs and community resources for appropriateness and effectiveness in meeting the client's needs. Federal and State statutes and regulations, Administrative Rules, agency policy and procedure manuals give guidelines for explaining programs, policies, and procedures, deciding eligibility for and approving or denying benefits. GENERAL INFORMATION Positions require serving all qualified clients (including those with communicable diseases, substance abuse problems, and women requesting abortions) and to

5 work with clients who are under emotional or financial stress. Some employees in this class may be required to travel instate including occasional overnight trips. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS (KS) Basic knowledge of: Arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) to compute benefits. Oral and written English communication sufficient to perform the functions of this class. Skill in: Reading and comprehending technical material written in English. Interpreting and applying rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Verbal and written communication with the public. Prioritizing and managing work to accomplish both ongoing and emergent duties. Eliciting information regarding a client's personal situation. Using and/or operating office equipment, i.e., personal computers, calculators, and computer terminals. Some positions in this class may require the following: Skill in spoken and written communication in a language other than English. NOTE: The KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS are required for initial consideration. Some duties performed by positions in this class may require different KS's. No attempt is made to describe every KS required for all positions in this class. Additional KS

6 requirements will be explained on the recruiting announcement. Adopted 1/90 Revised 2/97; title change 11/00 STATE OF OREGON Dept. of Administrative Services Human Resource Services Division