<p>Introduction</p> <p>Looking for a chance?to start your career in Social Services?</p> <p>If so, we are seeking you, to be part of our Connecticut Careers Trainee program!</p> <p>If you enjoy helping others and flourish in a fast-paced environment, you might be a fit for the Department of Social Services Connecticut Careers Trainee (CCT) position. The Department of Social Services (DSS) mission is to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of Connecticut's individuals, families, and communities. Bring your eagerness to enhance the lives of others and an ability to government programs, policies, and procedures; and we'll provide the in-depth training and support needed to be successful in this role.</p> <p>The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS) is recruiting for Connecticut Careers Trainee (Social and Human Services) to the target class of Eligibility Services Worker.</p> <p>YOUR ROLE AS A CONNECTICUT CAREERS TRAINEE (CCT) TARGET CLASS: ELIGIBILITY SERVICES WORKER:</p> <p>As a Connecticut Career Trainee (CCT) within the Department of Social Services, you will be required to meet the experience and training requirements of the target class of Eligibility Services Worker. An Eligibility Services Worker is responsible for applying state and federal policies to determine eligibility for various programs administered by DSS; such as food (SNAP), medical (Medicaid), financial assistance, convalescent and home care services.</p> <p>What's In It For You:</p> <p>Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!</p> <ul> <li>Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their careers. </li><li>Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities. </li><li>A healthy work-life balance to all employees. </li><li>State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loan forgiveness after 10 years of service. Click here for more information. </li></ul> <p>Discover the opportunity to:</p> <ul> <li>Engage in a rewarding career </li><li>Assist our employees so they can achieve success </li><li>Make a difference in the public sector </li><li>Work together in a collaborative team environment </li></ul> <p>THE CONNECTICUT CAREERS TRAINEE POSITION (TARGET CLASS: ELIGIBILITY SERVICES WORKER) WILL FOCUS ON:</p> <ul> <li>Assisting and interviewing Connecticut residents seeking state and federal benefits via phone and/or in person to obtain necessary information to determine current and ongoing eligibility of DSS administered programs. </li><li>Note: DSS provides customer service in a variety of ways, including answering calls and/or providing face-to-face assistance in our Resource Centers. </li><li>Communicating clearly and empathetically with clients and colleagues. </li><li>Being flexible and able to adhere to frequent instructions, directives and changes in assignments. </li><li>Being able to multi-task. Example: Using various computer applications and programs at once. </li><li>Reviewing submitted documents and processing cases in the department's computer database system to make timely and accurate eligibility determinations. </li><li>Updating the DSS computer system with clear and concise case notes. </li><li>Responding to client concerns and complaints; informing clients of their appeal rights and the appeals process. </li><li>Preparing detailed summaries and acting as agency representative in Fair Hearings process. </li><li>Making appropriate referrals to community partners/agencies based on assessed needs. </li><li>Attending all mandatory meetings/trainings via Teams and in person. </li><li>Keeping up to date with program and policy changes through trainings and written communications. </li></ul> <p>OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL:</p> <ul> <li>Have excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills. </li><li>Have experience working with culturally diverse populations. </li><li>Have experience in conducting in-depth interviews. </li><li>Be able to work independently, as well as a part of a team. </li><li>Have strong research and analytical skills. </li><li>Be able to critically review work. </li><li>Be able to multitask, organize workflow and adapt to shifting priorities to meet challenging deadlines. </li><li>Be able to transition between answering calls, face-to-face services, and case processing as a part of an agile workforce. </li><li>Be able to navigate through multiple computer systems and software concurrently. </li><li>Be able to understand and apply federal and state guidelines and statutes. </li><li>Possess a high level of attention to detail and accuracy while working expeditiously in a fast-paced environment. </li></ul> <p>POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:</p> <ul> <li>Full Time (40 hours per week) </li><li>8:30 AM - 5:00 PM </li><li>Monday-Friday </li><li>Once promoted, and in good standing, you may be eligible for the opportunity to work a hybrid work schedule </li><li>Positions located in Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, New Haven, Norwich, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury, Windham, Windsor </li></ul> <p>SALARY INFORMATION - CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS</p> <p>Eligibility for promotion to the target classification of Eligibility Services Worker is earned upon successful completion of the training program.</p> <ul> <li>Candidates with a Bachelor's Degree will serve a one (1) year training program. </li><li>Candidates with a Master's degree will serve a one (1) year training program. </li></ul> <p>Bachelor's degree and/or qualifying experience: SH 15 Step 1 - $52,349</p> <p>Master's degree: SH 15 Step 2: $54,243</p> <p>LOOK AT THE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES WE CAN OFFER YOU:</p> <p>FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:</p> <p>Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.</p> <p>BEFORE YOU APPLY:</p> <ul> <li>Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. </li><li>Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below. </li><li>Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency. </li><li>Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift. </li><li>Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov. </li><li>Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other. </li><li>Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting. </li></ul> <p>AFTER YOU APPLY:</p> <ul> <li>Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). </li><li>Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! </li><li>Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks. </li><li>The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class. </li><li>Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics. </li></ul> <p>QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP:</p> <p>Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to at Christopher.Lavallee@ct.gov.</p> <p>Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!</p> <p>PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)</p> <p>In a state agency this class is accountable for mastering the skills necessary to satisfactorily complete the training program for a professional position.</p> <p>EXAMPLES OF DUTIES</p> <ul> <li>In a department or institution receives training in introductory governmental work for development of skills and knowledge in field of public administration in order to qualify for advancement into agency professional positions; </li><li>Performs a variety of increasingly difficult duties as skills are acquired during course of training period; </li><li>Performs related duties as required. </li></ul> <p>KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY</p> <ul> <li>Oral and written communication skills; </li><li>Ability to </li><li>acquire knowledge and skills required for the target classification; </li><li>understand, evaluate and solve problems by exercising judgement and logic; </li><li>read, interpret and understand written material; </li><li>perform basic arithmetical computations; </li><li>interpret charts, graphs and tables; </li><li>learn and reason; </li><li>establish and maintain cooperative relations with superiors, associates and general public; </li><li>utilize computer software. </li></ul> <p>MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS</p> <p>Candidates must be able to meet the experience and training requirements of the designated job class at the completion of the development program.</p> <p>PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS</p> <ul> <li>A bachelor's or master's degree in human services </li><li>Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, Teams, etc..) while working in-office or remotely. </li><li>Experience communicating via phone, Microsoft Teams, email, and/or in person while working in-office, remotely or on the phone. </li><li>Experience with computer applications and software or while working in-office, remotely, or on the phone. </li><li>Experience managing multiple priorities and practicing time management skills while working in-office, remotely, or on the phone. </li><li>Experience conducting interviews, gathering, and analyzing confidential information while working in-office, remotely or on the phone. </li><li>Experience providing customer service in a fast-paced, person-centered environment with exposure to a culturally diverse population while working in-office, remotely, or on the phone. </li></ul> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER</p> <p>The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.</p> <p>ACKNOWLEDGEMENT</p> <p>As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.</p>