FAMILY INVESTMENT SPECIALIST III LEAD (STATEWIDE)

Company: State of Maryland
Location: Baltimore
Posted on: April 1, 2025

Job Description:

IntroductionWhen you join the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), you join a team of more than 5,000 employees across the state dedicated to positively changing the lives of more than 1 million Marylanders each year. We do this by providing economic support, preventive services, and caring for children and adults. We aim to deliver services so that we more quickly meet the needs of the people we serve. At DHS, we grapple with hard questions to find new ways to foster a culture of bold innovation. We do this to ensure that in Maryland, we leave no one behind. This Statewide recruitment is being conducted to establish a list of eligible candidates to be used to fill current and future vacancies occurring in our Local Departments of Social Services throughout the State. All approved candidates will be placed on this list of eligible candidates in one Best-Qualified randomized scoring band for at least one year. Placement on this list is not a guarantee that you will be offered an interview for any given vacancy.GRADEASTD12LOCATION OF POSITIONSTATEWIDE. This Statewide recruitment has been opened to establish a list of eligible candidates to be used to fill current and future vacancies occurring in our Local Departments of Social Services throughout the State. Please indicate the counties in which you are willing to accept employment on your application. Please note, we have current vacancies in the following locations:

• Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services, 80 West Street, Annapolis MD 21401
• Frederick County Department of Social Services, 1888 North Market Street, Frederick MD 21701Main Purpose of JobA Family Investment Specialist III Lead is the lead level of work providing specialized services in eligibility determination or quality assurance review of customer eligibility for Family Investment Administration (FIA) programs in a local Department of Social Services. Employees in this classification interview customers, explain program requirements and options, verify information, determine category of eligibility, assist customers in resolving problems and handle the disposition of routine and complex cases. Employees in this classification assign, review and approve the work of and train lower-level Family Investment Specialists. Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Family Investment Specialist Supervisor or other higher-level administrator. Employees may be required to work evenings and weekends and may visit customers in their homes or at facilities such as nursing homes, group homes and hospitals.POSITION DUTIESExamples of work:
• Assigns and reviews the work of and trains lower-level Family Investment Specialists for completeness, accuracy, application of and compliance with State and federal policies, procedures, laws, rules and regulations.
• Interviews customers to determine eligibility and need for FIA programs.
• Elicits information as to family composition, employment, health status, financial obligations, parental status and living arrangements.
• Explains program requirements and procedures to individuals or in a group setting.
• Checks public records, such as birth records and real estate transactions.
• Contacts individuals, employers, landlords, attorneys, financial institutions, medical offices, and government and community agencies to obtain, verify or clarify information required for eligibility determinations, such as income, resources, residency and household composition.
• Determines program eligibility in accordance with federal, State and local laws, policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Calculates incomes and resources to establish benefit level.
• Records and updates information in automated databases and classifies and codes errors for statistical analysis.
• Contacts customers regarding discrepancies and refers questionable cases to the fraud unit for further follow-up.
• Provides information on and makes referrals to service agencies, organizations and vendors for appropriate services to meet customer health, housing, food, employment, child care and transportation needs.
• Monitors progress and applies appropriate sanctions when necessary.
• Provides basic counseling and problem solving support.
• Serves as an advocate on behalf of customers.
• May make visits to customers' homes to gather information.
• May give testimony of case study findings at hearings, appeals and court hearings as a representative of the Department.
• Performs other related duties.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSApplicants must meet all minimum (and selective) qualifications to be considered, and to appear on the list of people eligible for hire. Please read all requirements before applying.EDUCATION: An Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college or university.EXPERIENCE: Two years of experience determining eligibility for governmental assistance programs.NOTES:
• Candidates may substitute additional experience determining eligibility for governmental assistance programs on a year-for-year basis for up to two years of the required education.
• These requirements are established by the Family Investment Administration by authority provided in Human Services Article Title 5, Subtitle 2, Section 204 (b)(1) of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The Office of Personnel Services and Benefits of the Department of Budget and Management and the Examination Services Unit of the Maryland Department of Human Services do not have the authority to accept substitutions or equivalents.LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONSEmployees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.SELECTION PROCESSPlease make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year. If you are in State service and are a promotional candidate, your salary will be determined in accordance with State of Maryland guidelines.EXAMINATION PROCESSThe assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position. For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service is required prior to hire.BENEFITSAs an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.
• Personal Leave- new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).
• Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.
• Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.
• Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.
• Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holiday per year.
• Pension - State employees earn credits towards a retirement pension.
• Positions may be eligible for telework.FURTHER INSTRUCTIONSThe online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to, Department of Human Services, Examination Services Unit, Attn: Trelia Gunter, 25 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. All mailed documents must include the applicant's name and the job number and must be received by 5 p.m. on the closing date. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application. If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload. If unable to upload, please email requested information only to trelia.gunter@maryland.gov. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time. If you have any questions concerning this recruitment process for this position, please contact 410-767-7416. TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay. If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
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Keywords: State of Maryland, Baltimore , FAMILY INVESTMENT SPECIALIST III LEAD (STATEWIDE), Other , Baltimore, Maryland