Family Support Specialist I
Job ID: 2605479 | Advertisement closes 10/29/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
About the Role
The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) is a multi-faceted agency that provides services and programs to enhance the self-sufficiency of families; improve safety and permanency for children and vulnerable adults; and engage families and community partners in a collaborative decision-making process. We offer an opportunity to work with individuals and families applying for public assistance benefits in the Commonwealth. DCBS is searching for a Family Support Specialist I who is highly skilled and motivated to help others. This includes providing professional services directly to the public in reviewing, monitoring and determining eligibility for assistance programs. The Family Support Specialist I will utilize the formal training provided to make eligibility determination for various public assistance programs. The employee is expected to perform at the highest quality to ensure services to vulnerable citizens. This is a demanding and rewarding position that requires maturity and self-discipline.
For more information on the Department for Community Based Services, please visit https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/pages/default.aspx
Responsibilities
- Interviews clients via phone or in person for Basic Public Assistance programs.
- Gathers, completes and reviews required documentation needed.
- Participates in formal and on-the-job training and observing other staff.
- Tracks processing deadlines for timely case activity and case hearings.
- Learns to identify resources and appropriate referrals.
- Learns to operate computer terminals and personal computers, prepares and maintains case records.
- Enters case information into the computer.
Qualifications
- Experience working with the public.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Good time management and organizational skills.
- The ability to work well under pressure.
- A willingness to work as part of a team.
Requirements
Education: Must complete two years (54 semester hours) from a college or university.
Experience, Training, or Skills: None required.
Substitutions:
- Administrative work, clerical office work, work dealing directly with the public, or experience in reviewing, monitoring, determining eligibility for, and/or administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program, Medical Assistance, Child Care Assistance Program, Child Support, or other public assistance programs will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Special Requirements: The position has access to or use of federal tax information (FTI) or meets the statutory definition of front-line staff. Pursuant to IRS Publication 1075 and 900 KAR 1:009 or KRS 194A.062 and 900 KAR 1:050, applicants shall submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check by the Department of Kentucky State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. CHFS participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with Form I-9 information to confirm work authorization after a job offer is accepted and Form I-9 is completed.
Working Conditions
Performs job duties in an office setting and/or visits clients in homes. The agency may authorize the selected candidate to telecommute; the agency may terminate or modify the telecommuting arrangement at any time.
Probationary Period
This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
Pay
Pay Grade 12 | Salary: $48,211.92 – $54,639.12 annually.
Schedule
Executive Branch | Full-time | Eligible for overtime pay | 18A | 37.5 hours per week.
Location
455 Park Place, Suite 120B, Lexington, KY 40511, USA.
For questions about this advertisement, contact Camillia Carlisle at camillia.carlisle@ky.gov or 859-244-4335.