State of New Hampshire · 1 month ago
HUMAN SERVICES SPECIALIST I-II
New Hampshire, United States
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$22.50/hr - $34.14/hr
2+ years expThe State of New Hampshire's Bureau of Family Assistance is seeking a Human Services Specialist I-II to provide direct service to individuals and families for determining eligibility for public assistance programs. The role involves conducting needs assessments, connecting citizens to resources, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Association
Responsibilities
Assesses whole-person service needs as well as emergent needs to address barriers to economic mobility and/or self-sufficiency
Achieves, maintains, and applies comprehensive knowledge of diverse populations and their environmental trends, and connects individuals and families with other internal and external services to address needs or barriers related to social, economic, employment, education, health, mental health, child and vocational rehabilitation
Assesses, identifies, and addresses client language and cultural needs in order to ensure meaningful and equitable access to the Department’s programs, activities and services
Determines and certifies applicants’ eligibility for state and federal public cash, medical and non-cash assistance programs, including but not limited to Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Child Care, disability assistance and Long Term Care, including Home and Community Based Care (HCBC) waiver programs, as well as expedited support for individuals and families with emergency needs such as food insecurity, homelessness, utilities, domestic violence, child care or health, by systematically reviewing, evaluating, applying and deciphering applicant financial information, medical information, household composition, citizenship, and other factors applicable to eligibility requirements
Applies complex and evolving federal and state law, regulations, policies and procedures for approximately 46 federal and state benefit programs, following required state and federal processing timeframes to efficiently meet clients’ needs in a timely manner
Researches and analyzes applicant and client information with proficiency in automated databases, system interfaces, web-based software applications, and other resources, including but not limited to: the State’s integrated eligibility and enrollment system known as New Hampshire Empowering Individuals to Get Help Transitioning to Self-sufficiency (New HEIGHTS), as well as other State agency systems including the New England Child Support Enforcement System (NECSES), EBTEDGE, Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS), Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program (SAVE), Verify Current Income (VCI), Asset Verification System (AVS), NH Employment Security (NHES), New Hampshire’s Unemployment Insurance System (NHUIS), and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) self-service portal known as NH EASY
Uses state and federal data exchanges, as well as collateral internal and external sources to attain and verify information required to complete determinations and verify accuracy of decisions
Conducts interactive in-person or phone interviews with applicants, current clients and/or their authorized representatives; ensures individuals’ communication needs, e.g., language barriers, developmental conditions, and other needed supports, are met to successfully meet interview objectives
Conducts on-site, direct services to clients in alternative community locations, such as Family Resource Centers and at special community events statewide
Routinely reviews and assesses cases, including complex multi-program cases, and complex case activities, due to varying needs of each household member, to ensure all required information is current, accurate and accounted for
Identifies existence of potential fraud or over-issuance of benefits; determines and makes appropriate referrals for investigation to the Office of Special Investigations
In addition Long Term Care Specialist reviews and verifies asset history submitted by applicants, recipients, legal counsel, and authorized representatives for Long Term Care services, identifying improper asset transfers and determining the penalty period when appropriate; assesses resources in a point in time for the separation and protection of resources for the non-applicant spouse; assesses and calculates spousal allocations of income, and assesses patient liability for nursing facilities
Participates in a Tier One and Tier Two Resolution Call Center to answer callers’ questions, concerns, and grievances in real time regarding case status, resources, processing, reports, notices, technical assistance with NH EASY and to obtain voice-recorded signatures for application use and scheduling
Provides customer service, including to people who are hostile and demanding, people in crisis and people with social-economic issues while following standard operating procedures
Achieves high benchmark performance ratings using complex, extensive case management and maintenance practices and quality rating systems to meet state and federal performance requirements, such as the SNAP Error Rate, to serve individuals and families timely and to avoid reduction in federal funding and/or fiscal penalty assessments against the State
Champions the goal of the Department of Health and Human Services to utilize a “whole person” client service model, by achieving, maintaining, and applying knowledge and understanding of the full range of all DHHS programs of assistance
Communicates professionally and effectively with a diverse client population, state and federal partner agencies, community providers and other service agencies to achieve positive client outcomes
Qualification
Required
Education/Experience: Associate's degree and 2 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 4 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in customer service, social services, finance activities, case management or a related field
License/Certification: Valid driver's license or access to transportation
Other Requirements: Must be able to travel to District Offices and/or other work locations up to 50 miles away from assigned work location for temporary assignment or reassignment and/or to attend mandatory job training
Must be able to work overtime when needed
Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 1.5 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 5.5 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in customer service, social services, finance activities, case management or a related field
License/Certification: Valid driver's license or access to transportation
Other Requirements: Must be able to travel to District Offices and/or other work locations up to 50 miles away from assigned work location for temporary assignment or reassignment and/or to attend mandatory job training
Must be able to work overtime when needed
Preferred
Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills; the ability to work effectively with a wide range of clients and community stakeholders; and proficiency in computer skills, including keyboarding, Microsoft Word or similar word processing software, Internet, and e-mail systems
Benefits
HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits
Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)
Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan
$50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance
Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)
Company
State of New Hampshire
Consider working for the State of New Hampshire! Whether you are interested in public safety, healthcare, transportation, the environment, IT, social work, or countless other areas, we have an opportunity for you! Join one of the largest and most geographically diverse employers in New Hampshire, where career opportunities are varied and every job helps enhance the quality of life for the citizens of the state.
Founded in 1623Concord, Massachusetts, USA
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Timothy Whitman
Chief Operating Officer NHH
Stefanie Shea, MSN, RN, PMH-BC, CNL
Chief Quality Improvement and Compliance Officer
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