Title:  CO Works Assessment Specialist Lead-Hybrid Work Model

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB:

This position exists to provide leadership and is assigned to both the Colorado Works Intake and Ongoing teams. The incumbent provides on the job training for staff and assists Colorado Works Assessment Specialists with difficult cases, conducts case reviews, and acts on behalf of the supervisor in his/her absence. The Assessment Specialist Lead worker responds to client complaints that cannot be resolved by the Assessment Specialist assigned to the case. In addition, the lead is responsible to cover vacant caseloads if necessary and to provide coverage for staff that is on leave.
The Colorado Works Units are responsible for performing face to face assessments for Colorado Works (CW) applicants. Assessment includes evaluation of client skills, abilities, and limitations that may be barriers to employment. The unit uses information and outcomes of assessment to determine the appropriate services to assist the applicant with training and/or job placement. The unit refers clients to Community Partners who will provide services specific to their needs as identified through the assessment process. The unit completes the initial Individual Responsibility Contract (IRC) and determines the appropriateness of and the eligibility for State and County Diversions, Colorado Works Basic Cash, Colorado Works Child Care, Food Stamps, and Medicaid.
The incumbent must have extensive knowledge of all programs and knowledge of community resources. Additionally, the lead will work closely with all community partners to ensure Colorado Works clients are meeting the federal requirements as they relate to the Work Participation Rate. The incumbent tracks all county Maintenance of Effort (MOE) payments made on a monthly basis and reports these expenditures on a monthly basis to the Administrator.

DUTIES:

• Conducts monthly case reviews to identify training needs or performance problems.
• Tracks all Child Support Enforcement applications to ensure clients are in good standing.
• Tracks all Maintenance of Effort (MOE) expenditures and reports monthly to Colorado Works Administrator.
• Provides case review and sign off for new staff.
• Provides technical support to the unit.
• Assists with resolving problem cases.
• Reads and interprets Agency Letters and Staff Manual rule changes. Interprets rule changes and provides training to staff on changes.
• Provides on-going training based on rule changes and issues identified by case reviews.
• Documents issues with clients and employees and informs supervisor.
• Develops and maintains effective communication with community organizations.
• Prepares written response and exhibits for Administrative Hearings.
• Represents the agency at County Resolution Hearings and Administrative Hearings.
• Attends State and County provided trainings.
• Maintain and enhance knowledge of all public assistance programs and the Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS).
• Review and act on information received from management reports.
• Provides complete coverage of one vacant caseload and for Program Specialists who are on leave.
• Provides coverage for supervisor in their absence.
• Make referrals to clients needing other services such as mental health, housing, and/or domestic violence.
• 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 Responsibility Contract.
• Identifies customer work related competencies/deficiencies and develops strategies to assist client in overcoming barriers to employment.
• Makes referrals to Community Partners and other agencies depending on applicant’s specific assessment.
• Completes Application Initiation in Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS).
• Performs an interactive interview with applicants and gathers pertinent information to determine their eligibility for State Diversions, County Diversions or Colorado Works Basic Cash. The decision for which payment is appropriate for the applicant is made through interpretation of information gained in the assessment.
• Assists clients with completion of applications; advises them of their rights and responsibilities; send appropriate notices to customers for action taken on cases.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with Community Partners.

REQUIREMENTS:

 Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• Knowledge of Arapahoe County Government guidelines and basic knowledge of state and federal employment laws such as civil rights.
• Knowledge of all public assistance programs rules and regulations and the ability to effectively and accurately apply the rules and regulations to client cases.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of software such as Microsoft Office suite, State and County computer systems, such as Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS). Ability to learn various applications and advance knowledge of Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS).
• Organizational skills.
• Knowledge basic office procedures and practices, including the operations of office machinery/equipment.
• Ability to work in a high volume, high stress environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, customers and management.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to deliver effective customer service and communication skills with a diverse customer base, come of whom maybe angry, difficult and/or distressed customers of employees.
• Ability to accept and adapt to changes in work environment, assignments and program requirements.
• Ability to meet program processing guidelines despite frequent interruptions.
• Ability to interpret assessment tools to advise applicants of available resources and to make appropriate referrals.
• Ability to communicate professionally with customers to facilitate gathering sensitive information needed to complete a thorough assessment.
• Ability to conduct interactive interview by concurrently conducting verbal interview and data entering pertinent information.
• Time management skills.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Three (3) years determining eligibility for Human Services Programs

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associates or Bachelors degree
• Supervisory or Training Experience
• Proficiency in speaking, reading and writing another language
• Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job.

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 a 50% of the time sitting and, 50% either standing or walking.
• Occasionally lifts, carries, pulls, or pushes up to 25 lbs..
• Occasionally stoops, kneels, balances, reaches, crawls, and crouches while performing office duties.
• Verbal and auditory capacity enabling interpersonal communication as well as communication through automated devices such as the telephone.
• Constant use of eye, hand, and finger coordination enabling the use of automated office machinery.
• Visual capacity enabling constant use of computer 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.