DHS Income Maintenance Caseworker (Washington) (Selective Cert) (5.7.24)

THE POSITION

Are you bilingual in English and Haitian Creole? Would you enjoy using this skill to communicate with people to help them and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? If you are looking for a great opportunity to utilize your experience in social services and make a difference in someone's life when they need a helping hand, we have the position for you. The Department of Human Services (DHS) is searching for an Income Maintenance Caseworker position for the Washington County Assistance Office (CAO). Don't miss out on this great opportunity to help your fellow Pennsylvanians in their time of need. Apply today and join our compassionate and dedicated team of professionals!

Watch this video to see how you can make a difference! 

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

In this position, you will utilize your bilingual ability to communicate orally and in writing in both Haitian Creole and English to customers, staff, and the public.

As an Income Maintenance Caseworker, you will be responsible and accountable for determining eligibility for a variety of human service programs offered through the CAO in accordance with state regulations. These include financial assistance, Medical Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Nursing Home Care and Waivers, as well as other departmental programs. 

After attending an 8-week Income Maintenance Standard Training Program (IMSTP), you will complete your work assignments in an office environment. In your day-to-day duties, you will interview customers either over the phone or in person; review, interpret, and correctly apply departmental policy; enter data into an automated eligibility determination system; and type clear and thorough case comments about client circumstances and changes. You will complete your work within established deadlines and in accordance with federal and state policy. You will also comply with regimented policies and procedures as well as stay abreast of major changes which may impact your knowledge and skill.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 60-minute lunch.
• The DHS provides excellent benefits, contractual pay increases, paid holidays and leave entitlements, opportunity for advancement and shift selection in addition to a great work environment.
• Travel and overtime as needed. This may change based on operational need.
• Free parking!
  
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $49,839 (before taxes).  
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
• WORK CONDITIONS: Assigned duties are performed in a controlled office environment. In counties with District Offices, employees may be reassigned to different work sites due to operational needs. Reassignments will be made in compliance with contract language.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Four years of experience in interviewing or work requiring the analysis and interpretation of data; or
• A bachelor's degree; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
   

Other Requirements:

• This position requires the selected candidate to be able to read, write, and speak in Haitian Creole. You may be contacted for a Haitian Creole speaking proficiency evaluation conducted by the Bureau of Talent Acquisition, PA Office of Administration. If contacted, you must pass the speaking evaluation in order to be deemed eligible for this position. Your proficiency in reading and writing in Haitian Creole must be demonstrated during the probationary period to achieve regular status in the position.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements: 

• This position will have access to Federal Tax Information (FTI) and is subject to the provisions of IRS Publication 1075 (Pub 1075) which requires you to pass an enhanced background check prior to beginning employment. Under Pub 1075, acceptance of a conditional offer of employment will require submission to and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to: a fingerprint-based federal records check; a PA State Police clearance; a check of local law enforcement agencies where you have lived, worked, and/or attended school within the last five (5) years; and a citizenship/residency verification. 

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. 
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. 

 
Veterans: 

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

 
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

 
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
 
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions. 
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.