Human Services Program Specialist

Under direction, the Human Services Program Specialist performs analytical, evaluative, coordinative and/or conceptual staff work in the planning, development and/or administration of human services programs.

 

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Applicable laws, rules and regulations related to public human services
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other specialized applications related to public human services
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Principles of effective customer service
• Socio-economic, environmental, and cultural factors affecting the behavior of disadvantaged persons
• Principles of human behavior including people under physical, psychological and social stress
• Types of financial, medical and public human services available to public assistance applicants
• Principles, practices, funding sources, laws and regulations, and administrative requirements in the program area to which assigned
• Techniques of contract negotiation and monitoring
• Practices and techniques of programmatic analysis and report writing
• Basic techniques of budget monitoring and reporting
• Techniques of interviewing for obtaining factual information
• Principles of work organization and time management

Ability to

• Establish and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with customers, co-workers, other agencies and the general public
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Effectively organize and prioritize work assignments
• Keep accurate and orderly records
• Maintain confidential information
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Coordinate program activities and staff
• Develop effective policies and procedures
• Research, analyze, interpret, explain, and apply complex legislation, regulations, laws, directives, and other information pertaining to state human service programs and make appropriate recommendations
• Draw logical conclusions and make sound decisions and effective recommendations and adapt to quickly changing conditions
• Research documents including detailed and complex medical and legal terminology
• Conduct impartial, comprehensive case investigative reviews
• Gather information through record examination, research, and interview
• Work independently, adhere to rigid time schedules, maintain complex records, and prepare quasi-legal documents

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Either: Two years of paid full-time supervisory experience in the review of casework, eligibility, or benefit levels for protective services, public assistance, and/or human services program related to the provision of direct services related to client services.

Or: Two years of paid full-time experience performing analytical and coordinative functions for a protective services, public assistance,
and/or human services program related to the provision of direct client services.

Note: If the word “experience” is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable.  Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements.