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9571
ECONOMIC SERVICE WORKER

Nature of Work
Under general supervision, performs at the full-performance level in taking applications, determining eligibility for and managing a caseload for a variety of economic assistance programs. Responsible for conducting personal interviews with clients, evaluating and verifying personal, financial and social information, determining eligibility for services, maintaining a client caseload, and referring clients to other social service and community service agencies when appro priate. May obtain repayment from clients who have been issued economic assistance erroneously. Transportation must be available as travel is required. Must possess a valid driver's license. Performs related work as required.

Examples of Work
Interviews client initially to gain overview of client financial resources and social circumstances pertinent to eligibility for services; performs in-depth interview to establish eligibility for specific programs and benefits, such as food stamps and medical services.
Determines eligibility for economic assistance using eligibility manuals and guidelines.
Contacts banks, employers, medical facilities, physicians, and neighbors as necessary by phone or letter to substantiate client data.
Completes appropriate economic service forms and codes for computer entry thereby authorizing basic services for client; informs client of types of benefits to be received.
Updates each assigned client's case file by scheduling periodic office visits with client.
Takes calls from clients and public and sees "walk-ins" requesting information on economic service programs.
Composes brief social summary of client's circumstances and assesses need for social service intervention; directs client to community resources when needs cannot be met through economic services and/or additional assistance is required.
Explains economic service policies, rules and regulations to client in a manner that makes clear the information on application forms and client's obligations and rights as a recipient of benefits.
Computes amount of benefit client will receive using appropriate monetary guidelines and calculator; computes amount of over-payments when they occur and arranges with client for reimbursement.
Pursues collection of any payments against individuals and households who received Food Stamp Program benefits to which they were not entitled.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of economic service programs and policies, rules and regulations.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques and methods for obtaining and communicating information.
Ability to read and comprehend federal and state economic service policies and guidelines.
Ability to interact effectively with people from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds.
Ability to record pertinent facts and maintain records.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic.
Ability to plan and organize work independently and efficiently.
Ability to work under time constraints in processing economic service applications.

Minimum Qualifications       [Top]
Training:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
Substitution:
Any combination of additional training and/or full-time or the equivalent part-time paid experience interviewing clients, customers or the public and evaluating the data against established standards and guidelines may substitute for the required training on a year-for-year basis except experience in Economic Services work requiring program eligibility decisions may substitute for required training on a one year experience for two years of training.

Established: 8/20/92
Revised:      2/5/93
Effective:     2/5/93

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