Human Service Worker II
Fairfax County, Annandale, VA, United States
Overview
Fairfax County’s Division of Public Assistance & Employment Services (PAES) is seeking compassionate and driven individuals to join our team. This role provides vital resources, creates partnerships, and delivers high‑quality services to strengthen the well‑being of individuals, children, and families.
Benefits
Impactful Work: Help vulnerable populations access life‑changing programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and more.
Diverse Community: Work with people from all walks of life in one of the most multicultural counties in the nation.
Room to Grow: Potential for advancement, training, and professional development.
Flexibility: Telework eligible after your first 30 days of employment.
Competitive Salary: Starting at $54,330.43–$90,550.51 annually.
Growth Opportunities: Training programs prepare you for future success and promotional opportunities within the division.
Work‑Life Balance: Telework options, training support, and a team‑oriented environment.
Responsibilities
First point of contact for individuals and families seeking assistance through public programs.
Conduct comprehensive assessments for medical and financial needs.
Perform in‑depth phone interviews, gather necessary information, and assist clients with applications.
Interpret and explain complex federal, state, and local program policies to clients in a clear and empathetic manner.
Make referrals to other resources and services to ensure clients’ diverse needs are met.
Manage high caseloads in a fast‑paced environment using state and local IT systems.
Maintain knowledge of current public assistance and employment policies and apply, explain and interpret federal, state, and local policies to clients, service providers, attorneys, the public, and other interested parties.
Conduct in‑depth interviews to determine and reassess eligibility for financial, publicly supported medical services and/or medical public assistance programs.
Perform client needs assessments to aid in appropriate referrals to other services.
Assist clients in gathering information required to establish eligibility.
Compile and maintain data and documents and may prepare written narratives to support eligibility determinations.
Ensure timely processing of applications to meet client needs and program policy mandates.
Authorize public assistance (e.g., medical aid, financial assistance, food stamps) based on client circumstances and program requirements.
Use automated technology to document, obtain, verify information, generate reports, and authorize benefits and services for clients.
Assist clients in obtaining resources necessary to meet emergency needs.
Your work makes an immediate difference by helping clients access public benefits, coordinating services, and offering a foundation for their future success.
Qualifications
Knowledge of basic human behavior and social problems.
Knowledge of complex federal, state, and local laws governing public assistance and welfare reform.
Ability to read, interpret and apply complex program policies and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to perform mathematical computations.
Ability to schedule, organize and manage workload to meet deadlines.
Ability to use automated technology to establish and maintain case records.
Ability to handle multiple deadlines, computer systems, high volume of client contact, high caseloads, and competing priorities.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co‑workers and other human service providers.
Ability to work effectively with people under stress and those from various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality of client information.
Ability to provide excellent customer service.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Ability to maintain flexibility.
Ability to manage a complex caseload.
Preferred Qualifications
Education: bachelor’s degree or direct experience with eligibility and public assistance programs equivalent to a 4‑year degree.
Program Knowledge: One year of recent experience determining eligibility for Medicaid, SNAP, and/or other public assistance programs in Virginia. Familiar with federal, state, and local regulations governing Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and Refugee Cash Assistance.
Tech‑Savvy Skills: Hands‑on experience with Virginia‑specific systems such as VaCMS, MMIS, and SPIDeR.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills that allow you to engage meaningfully with clients, colleagues, and partners.
Bilingual or multilingual in English and another language.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills to tackle large workloads effectively while maintaining focus on deadlines and priorities.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel, with a willingness to quickly learn new tools and systems as needed.
Ability to juggle priorities, adapt to fast‑paced changes, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Analytical thinking and decision‑making skills to anticipate and solve problems.
Ability to make impactful decisions independently while thriving in a team‑focused work environment.
Employment Standards
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a bachelor’s degree, plus one year of professional work experience in human services or a related field.
Some positions in this classification may be assigned to the Public Assistance Program in which the one year of professional level human services experience referenced above must specifically be in public assistance programs. Candidates appointed to these positions without the requisite experience will be hired at the Human Service Worker I grade level, and upon satisfactory completion of a one‑year Public Assistance Program training, appointees will be eligible for a non‑competitive promotion to the Human Service Worker II grade level.
Necessary Special Requirements
The appointee will be required to complete a criminal background check and child protective services check to the satisfaction of the employer.
Physical Requirements
Able to read, comprehend, apply and explain standard business material and complex public assistance policies and procedures; use a computer keyboard; function well under extreme pressure; work independently and as part of a team; sufficient mobile to work and meet with clients. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
Selection Procedure
Panel interview and may include an exercise.
EEO Statement
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.
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Fairfax County’s Division of Public Assistance & Employment Services (PAES) is seeking compassionate and driven individuals to join our team. This role provides vital resources, creates partnerships, and delivers high‑quality services to strengthen the well‑being of individuals, children, and families.
Benefits
Impactful Work: Help vulnerable populations access life‑changing programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and more.
Diverse Community: Work with people from all walks of life in one of the most multicultural counties in the nation.
Room to Grow: Potential for advancement, training, and professional development.
Flexibility: Telework eligible after your first 30 days of employment.
Competitive Salary: Starting at $54,330.43–$90,550.51 annually.
Growth Opportunities: Training programs prepare you for future success and promotional opportunities within the division.
Work‑Life Balance: Telework options, training support, and a team‑oriented environment.
Responsibilities
First point of contact for individuals and families seeking assistance through public programs.
Conduct comprehensive assessments for medical and financial needs.
Perform in‑depth phone interviews, gather necessary information, and assist clients with applications.
Interpret and explain complex federal, state, and local program policies to clients in a clear and empathetic manner.
Make referrals to other resources and services to ensure clients’ diverse needs are met.
Manage high caseloads in a fast‑paced environment using state and local IT systems.
Maintain knowledge of current public assistance and employment policies and apply, explain and interpret federal, state, and local policies to clients, service providers, attorneys, the public, and other interested parties.
Conduct in‑depth interviews to determine and reassess eligibility for financial, publicly supported medical services and/or medical public assistance programs.
Perform client needs assessments to aid in appropriate referrals to other services.
Assist clients in gathering information required to establish eligibility.
Compile and maintain data and documents and may prepare written narratives to support eligibility determinations.
Ensure timely processing of applications to meet client needs and program policy mandates.
Authorize public assistance (e.g., medical aid, financial assistance, food stamps) based on client circumstances and program requirements.
Use automated technology to document, obtain, verify information, generate reports, and authorize benefits and services for clients.
Assist clients in obtaining resources necessary to meet emergency needs.
Your work makes an immediate difference by helping clients access public benefits, coordinating services, and offering a foundation for their future success.
Qualifications
Knowledge of basic human behavior and social problems.
Knowledge of complex federal, state, and local laws governing public assistance and welfare reform.
Ability to read, interpret and apply complex program policies and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to perform mathematical computations.
Ability to schedule, organize and manage workload to meet deadlines.
Ability to use automated technology to establish and maintain case records.
Ability to handle multiple deadlines, computer systems, high volume of client contact, high caseloads, and competing priorities.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co‑workers and other human service providers.
Ability to work effectively with people under stress and those from various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality of client information.
Ability to provide excellent customer service.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Ability to maintain flexibility.
Ability to manage a complex caseload.
Preferred Qualifications
Education: bachelor’s degree or direct experience with eligibility and public assistance programs equivalent to a 4‑year degree.
Program Knowledge: One year of recent experience determining eligibility for Medicaid, SNAP, and/or other public assistance programs in Virginia. Familiar with federal, state, and local regulations governing Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and Refugee Cash Assistance.
Tech‑Savvy Skills: Hands‑on experience with Virginia‑specific systems such as VaCMS, MMIS, and SPIDeR.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills that allow you to engage meaningfully with clients, colleagues, and partners.
Bilingual or multilingual in English and another language.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills to tackle large workloads effectively while maintaining focus on deadlines and priorities.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel, with a willingness to quickly learn new tools and systems as needed.
Ability to juggle priorities, adapt to fast‑paced changes, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Analytical thinking and decision‑making skills to anticipate and solve problems.
Ability to make impactful decisions independently while thriving in a team‑focused work environment.
Employment Standards
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a bachelor’s degree, plus one year of professional work experience in human services or a related field.
Some positions in this classification may be assigned to the Public Assistance Program in which the one year of professional level human services experience referenced above must specifically be in public assistance programs. Candidates appointed to these positions without the requisite experience will be hired at the Human Service Worker I grade level, and upon satisfactory completion of a one‑year Public Assistance Program training, appointees will be eligible for a non‑competitive promotion to the Human Service Worker II grade level.
Necessary Special Requirements
The appointee will be required to complete a criminal background check and child protective services check to the satisfaction of the employer.
Physical Requirements
Able to read, comprehend, apply and explain standard business material and complex public assistance policies and procedures; use a computer keyboard; function well under extreme pressure; work independently and as part of a team; sufficient mobile to work and meet with clients. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
Selection Procedure
Panel interview and may include an exercise.
EEO Statement
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.
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