Economic Assistance Benefits Specialist

Location: Rapid City, SD
Pay: $24.77 hourly, depending on qualifications

About the role

At the Department of Social Services (DSS), family is everything. It’s the foundation of what we do every day through provision of services to strengthen and support the citizens of South Dakota. Our work is driven with our vision to build Strong Families, South Dakota’s Foundation and Our Future.

We believe families have the right to be safe and secure. We also believe in respecting individual and cultural differences by treating people with dignity, fairness, and respect. And we believe in collaborative communications, teamwork, partnerships and trust for essential family services.

As a Department of Social Services employee, you will have a chance to experience:

• Creativity – We are always looking for innovative ideas to help us achieve improved outcomes.
• Making a difference – You will have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of fellow South Dakotans.
• Professional development – We provide valuable trainings to ensure staff is well-trained, competent, accountable and empowered and will assist you in reaching your career goals.
• Teamwork – In a team-oriented approach, you will have the ability to work cooperatively with others in a friendly work environment to achieve shared goals.

Who we want

• A highly motivated and experienced person with a passion for serving the public and displays a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals.
• A compassionate individual who listens attentively to others and clearly conveys information and ideas.
• A dependable and organized individual who effectively plans and organizes work activities.
• A person who is dedicated and who will represent the Department of Social Services with integrity and enthusiasm.
• An individual who works cooperatively with others and promotes a friendly work climate in order to achieve shared goals.

Responsibilities

This position assesses and analyzes current life circumstances and financial capabilities to provide assistance and services to low-income individuals and their families by:

• Interviewing, counseling, and identifying available resources.
• Obtaining records, verifying collateral information and determining eligibility for multiple social service programs.
• Responding to public inquiries regarding social services and benefits.
• Interpreting rules, regulations, and policies to ensure appropriate benefits and services are provided in an effective and expedient manner to assist in the individual's basic self-sufficiency.

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in social science, behavioral science, or other human service-related fields, business administration, public administration, education, or public health, and/or experience in health care administration, finance, accounting, or insurance is preferred. Entry-level knowledge and abilities may be acquired through any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the incumbent to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Skills

The ideal candidate will:

• Communicate effectively and efficiently.
• Successfully plan and organize work activities, adjust to multiple demands, and prioritize tasks to complete assignments and meet schedules and deadlines.
• Demonstrate compassion, respect, courtesy, and tact when interacting with others.
• Display confidence and innovation despite adversity.
• Establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with stakeholders.
• Understand concepts related to client confidentiality.
• Have the ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Prepare clear and concise documentation, reports, and correspondence that reflect relevant facts.
• Assume initiative with minimal supervision.
• Possess a strong work ethic and comprehension of critical thinking and problem-solving techniques.

Benefits

• $0 premium employee health insurance option.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual.
• Dental, vision, and other insurance options.
• Retirement benefits (this position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS).

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08. The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.