Human Service Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

The Department of Transitional Assistance is seeking service-focused individuals for the position of Human Service Assistant (HSA). Our ideal candidate will provide written and/or oral interpretation and translation services to assist clients and complete administrative tasks in a well-organized, efficient manner.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide interpretation and translation services by gathering information, providing instruction, and facilitating clear and accurate communication.
• Convey information and explain actions to clients with varying expectations, needs, cultures, and languages.
• Assist applicants and clients in completing and/or obtaining necessary verifications for eligibility determination.
• Facilitate customer service delivery by providing services to clients, such as responding to inquiries and explaining basic department procedures.
• Inform and direct clients in the lobbies, waiting rooms, and self-service stations.
• Promote customer service delivery through document processing and management.
• Utilize Department systems and equipment and provide ongoing assistance and support to Social Workers.
• Stay current and up to date with self-service options, including but not limited to kiosks, scanning, DTA Connect, and Mobile apps.
• Exchange information with internal and external contacts per existing department policies.
• Provide administrative support within the local office as assigned by the supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with Departmental Policy.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent reading comprehension skills.
• Excellent listening skills, including the ability to ask questions to enhance communication and understanding.
• Strong interpersonal skills that demonstrate the ability to work with diverse populations in multiple roles.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage high-stress situations in a professional manner.
• Ability to understand and apply policies and regulations.
• Ability to be flexible in order to respond to changing requirements and priorities.
• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities and meet various deadlines through strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to read, write and converse with clients, colleagues and external contacts in English and a second language.
• Two or more years work experience, with written and oral translation duties, in social work or social casework, claims adjudication, job placement, recruitment, employment counseling, vocational or rehabilitation counseling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of specific local office procedures and requirements.
• Knowledge of continuing changes in laws, rules, regulations, programs, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing agency operations and assigned unit activities as they apply to this position.
• Knowledge of ongoing modifications in the types and uses of agency forms.
• High-level personal computer skills and more in-depth knowledge of various software options.

Note: Selected candidates must complete a language proficiency examination which will test reading comprehension, conversational, and writing skills in English and the specified second language.

To Apply: Please upload both the Resume and Cover Letter for this position. First consideration will be given to those applicants who apply within the first 14 days.

About The Department of Transitional Assistance: 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 support.

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.