Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Case Worker - Western Region - Continuous Posting

State of Massachusetts - Springfield, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Springfield, MA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Case Worker role is designed for individuals who are passionate about helping others achieve self-sufficiency and economic stability. This position involves assisting clients in determining their eligibility for transitional assistance programs, managing cases, and providing support to individuals and families in need. The role requires strong customer service skills, the ability to multitask, and proficiency in using computer systems to manage client information effectively. Extensive training will be provided to ensure case workers are equipped to handle their responsibilities competently.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients with determining initial and ongoing eligibility for transitional assistance programs and employment services.
• Perform all SNAP casework in an action-based 'first available worker' process through assigned queues.
• Ensure all assigned tasks are accurate and complete to the farthest completion point.
• Conduct interactive interviews; utilize the agency's PC-based eligibility system to obtain and verify client information.
• Perform all tasks related to case maintenance and case management, including assisting with additional assistance for benefits referrals to other state agencies, health care providers, and other resources to support individuals and families as necessary.
• Prepare and deliver explanations of eligibility decisions.
• Evaluate and monitor client cases to ensure compliance with applicable rules, regulations, and guidelines.

Requirements

• At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or paraprofessional 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.
• Knowledge of the principles and correct English language usage involved in writing narratives, including grammar, spelling, sentence structure, word meaning, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of referral sources available for providing services to clients, including available community support and social services resources.
• Knowledge of the social and economic problems of the diverse client population and their related impact on employability and self-sufficiency.

Nice-to-haves

• Ability to prioritize and organize several tasks.
• Aptitude to read, interpret, apply, and explain the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.
• Capacity to gather information using established procedures, interview and observe individuals, and examine records and documents.
• Strong oral and written abilities to communicate with others, maintain accurate records, and use discretion in handling confidential information.
• Competence to determine the applicability of client data, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
• Aptitude to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others in a team setting.
• Ability to understand people from different ethnic, cultural, and/or economic backgrounds and demonstrate empathy toward those with physical and/or emotional stress.
• Capacity to work under adverse conditions.
• Adept with personal computer (PC) based systems and applications.
• Bilingual or multilingual fluency.

Benefits

• Comprehensive employee benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Potential for a hybrid work schedule.