Social Services Program Specialist-Public Assistance-Greene County, Ohio

Job Description

Job Title: Social Services Program Specialist-Public Assistance

Company: Greene County, Ohio

Location: Xenia, OH

Pay: $41225 per year

AI Pay Analysis: The annual salary of $41,225 for a “Social Services Program Specialist-Public Assistance” role in Xenia, OH translates to an hourly wage of approximately $19.83. This rate appears to be on the lower end of the spectrum for similar positions in the social services sector, as industry standards typically range from $20 to $30 per hour depending on experience, education, and specific responsibilities. Furthermore, considering the cost of living in Ohio and average salaries for social services professionals in the region, this pay may not be competitive, which could impact recruitment and retention efforts for the role. Overall, while it might meet minimum wage requirements, it may struggle to attract qualified candidates given the demanding nature of social services work.

Job description:
Provides comprehensive support through various social service programs to eligible clients, including families in crisis stabilization, participants in public assistance programs, individuals with child support obligations, job seekers, and vulnerable populations. Responsibilities include meeting with families and clients, coordinating and referring them to additional resources, and conducting home studies. The role involves interviewing individuals as per policy (parents, children, relatives, teachers, and physicians), gathering and reviewing essential documentation such as income and resource verifications, employment and training records, police reports, psychological assessments, court records, and other relevant materials to determine pertinent case information.

Additional responsibilities include transporting volunteers or community service workers to activities, preparing and maintaining accurate records, statistics, and reports—including those mandated by court, state, and federal guidelines—as well as developing informational materials. The role entails assessing individuals’ mental and emotional status using standardized tests or appropriate counseling techniques, creating and coordinating individualized plans focused on safety, self-sufficiency, employment, and treatment. Active participation in interdisciplinary teams, court testimonies, and meetings while interfacing with other agencies and community groups is also required, along with responding to inquiries and delivering presentations through informal and formal communications.

The incumbent will work under general supervision and must possess significant knowledge of social work practices, departmental regulations, and state and federal laws relevant to crisis intervention, counseling, and interviewing as part of the social service program delivery.

Key duties include processing eligibility for Public Assistance programs according to county, state, and federal guidelines; conducting interactive interviews to ascertain benefit levels across various programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid; and managing case changes and quality reviews. This includes in-person, phone, and electronic interviews, verification requests, third-party contacts, and document analysis.

Providing customer assistance and addressing inquiries at the reception desk, via phone, and electronically while ensuring cooperation with other agency divisions and local service providers to benefit common clients is vital. The role also requires calculating budgets in compliance with applicable rules and regulations, maintaining detailed case management documentation, and investigating discrepancies or complaints regarding potential fraudulent activities. This position includes pursuing administrative and legal action for intentional violations and representing the agency at state hearings while upholding the confidentiality of protected client information.

Staying abreast of program rules and modifications through regular communications and training is essential. Participation in relevant meetings and trainings is expected, as well as possible representation of the agency at community events.

Expected qualifications include completion of core coursework for an Associate Degree in Social Work or a closely related field, along with 18 months of experience in social services or customer service within an office or administrative environment. A valid Ohio Driver’s License is required. Equivalent qualifications may substitute educational or experiential requirements, excluding mandated licensure or certification.

Predictable and regular attendance is essential, with travel required for various job functions. Duties involve physical activities such as stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions, with the ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and 10 pounds frequently, or negligible amounts constantly to move objects.

Job Posting Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2025 01:52:18 GMT

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