Assistance Manager Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

The Department of Transitional Assistance is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Economic Assistance Supervisor. Our ideal candidate will provide daily supervision to the Economic Assistance unit in the performance of all tasks related to Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) and employment services, while ensuring that all staff are motivated and empowered.
DTA attracts people passionate about public service who love to work in a fast-paced environment and who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):

• Ensure a high level of customer service is always maintained.
• Assist in overseeing and managing service delivery needs in the office, including, but not limited to, the waiting room.
• Ensure the unit performs effectively and develop techniques for the improvement of the unit's performance in areas where improvement is necessary.
• Ensure the unit achieves, maintains, and improves accuracy levels in determining initial and/or ongoing eligibility for the Economic Assistance program.
• Ensure the completion of case maintenance activities are accurate and timely.
• Conduct professional performance evaluations for all unit staff.
• Complete supervisory administrative responsibilities in an accurate and timely manner.
• Provide effective training for staff as required.
• Provide direct client services as necessary and appropriate.
• Ensure the unit assists in the development of employment plans and that follow-up on referrals to service providers, employers and resources are completed.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to supervise, including but not limited to, planning, organizing, assigning and coordinating work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates, and available resources.
• Capacity to read, interpret, apply and explain the provisions of the laws, rules, and regulations, governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply Federal, State and local social service programs, laws, statutes and regulations that affect eligibility for financial assistance.
• Experience gathering and assembling items of information in accordance with established procedures; through interviewing and observing individuals and by examining records and documents.
• Understanding of referral sources available for providing services to clients, including available community support and social service resources.
• Demonstrated understanding of the social and economic problems of the diverse client population and the related impact on employability and self-sufficiency.
• Skill in the use of the principles and methods of employment counseling and employment placement.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Must be highly self-motivated.
• Ability to manage, motivate and encourage staff.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to assess and prioritize tasks, as well as plan and organize work assignments simultaneously.
• Demonstrated knowledge of DTA benefits and services including eligibility requirements.
• Experience with Electronic Document Management (EDM) and smart coversheets.
• Demonstrated aptitude for and sensitivity in working with clients with barriers and disabilities, and the ability to implement Department policies accurately and in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated knowledge of data tracking and PC software/applications.
• Commitment to working with diverse populations.
• Ability to demonstrate problem solving skills and to work under adverse working conditions.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

Agency Mission:
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs to low-income residents of the Commonwealth. DTA is committed to providing a high level of service to all those in need. The mission of the Department is to assist and empower low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one out of every seven people in Massachusetts - including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, economic assistance, and employment supports.
Learn more about our services and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dta
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form
For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4
Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: At least five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in social work or social casework, claims adjudication, job placement, recruitment, employment counseling, vocational or rehabilitation counseling, credit investigation, educational counseling, legal advocacy, or legal counseling. Based on assignment to second-level supervisory positions, at least one year of this experience must have been in a supervisory capacity.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- A Bachelor's or higher degree may be substituted for two years of the required non-supervisory experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.
- One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
- No substitutions will be permitted for the required supervisory or managerial experience.
LICENSES: Based on assignment, travel may be required. Those employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.