Title:  Colorado Works Assessment Specialist (Human Services)

DUTY STATEMENT:

This specification is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned. Ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, the ability to work productively and professionally as a member of a team or work group and to interact appropriately with internal and external contacts, are basic requirements of all positions at Arapahoe County. Supports the County's strategic plan and goals.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB:

Performs assessments for Colorado Works (CW) applicants. Assessments include evaluation of client skills, abilities, and limitations that may be barriers to employment. The information and outcome of the assessment determine the appropriate services to assist the applicant with training and/or job placement. The Colorado Works Assessment Specialist refers clients to Community Partners who will provide services specific to their needs as identified through the assessment process. They also determine the appropriateness of the eligibility for Colorado Works Diversions, Colorado Works Basic Cash, Colorado Works Child Care, SNAP, and Medicaid.

DUTIES:

• Completes assessment of Colorado Works applicants to determine the correct services needed for them to become gainfully employed leading to self-sufficiency.
• Completes initial Individual Roadmap.
• Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS) to determine Basic Cash payments.
• Completes yearly re-determinations for ongoing clients to determine continued eligibility of assistance programs such as Colorado Works, SNAP and Medicaid.
• Identifies customer work-related competencies/deficiencies and develops strategies to assist clients in overcoming barriers to employment.
• Makes referrals to Community Partners and other agencies depending on the applicant's specific assessment.
• Completes application initiation in Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS).
• Performs interactive interviews with clients and gathers pertinent information to determine their eligibility for Diversions, or Basic Cash.
• Assists clients with the completion of applications, advises them of their rights and responsibilities, and sends appropriate notices to customers for action taken on cases.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with Community Partners.

REQUIREMENTS:

Skills, Abilities, and Competencies:

• Ability to deliver effective customer service and communication skills with a diverse customer base, some of whom may be angry, difficult, and/or distressed customers or employees.
• Ability to conduct an interactive interview by concurrently conducting verbal interviews and data entering pertinent information into required computer systems.
• Ability to interpret assessment tools to advise applicants of available resources and to make appropriate referrals.
• Ability to communicate professionally with customers to facilitate the gathering of information needed to complete a thorough assessment.
• Knowledge of public assistance programs and their specific regulations.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Three (3) years determining eligibility for Human Services Programs.
• Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job will be considered; however, the substitution may affect your base pay.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Associate's Degree
• Human services experience
• Ability to accurately type 70-80 WPM
• Strong software competency skills
• Superior attention to detail
• Self-directed initiative and strong follow-through

Pre-Employment Additional Requirements:
Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.

Post-Employment Requirements:
Will require fingerprinting and successfully passing a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is generally confined to a standard office environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.

• Spends 80% of the time sitting and 20% of the time either standing or walking.
• Occasionally lifts, carries, pulls or pushes up to 20 lbs.
• Occasionally uses cart, dolly, or other equipment to carry in excess of 20 lbs.
• Occasionally climbs, stoops, kneels, balances, reaches, crawls and crouches while performing office or work duties.
• Verbal and auditory capacity enabling constant interpersonal communication through automated devices, such as telephones, radios, and similar; and in public meetings and personal interactions.
• Constant use of eye, hand and finger coordination enabling the use of automated office machinery or equipment.
• Visual capacity enabling constant use of computer or other work-related equipment.

Definitions:

• Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.
• Frequently: Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
• Constantly: Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.