Social Services Program Assistance Specialist (Hybrid)

Do you want to utilize your skills and make a difference? Are you looking to take the next step in your career? If so, please read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS) is seeking a talented and motivated candidate to join our team as a Social Services Program Assistance Specialist for the Division of Program Oversight and Grant Administration.

What We Can Offer You:

• Paid time off including 13 paid holidays per calendar year;
• A culture that encourages work/life balance;
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Comprehensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings;
• Industry leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage;
• To work for a Forbes top company: ‘Forbes’ State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule;

You will discover the opportunity to:

• Make a difference in the public sector;
• Showcase your talents in a meaningful role;
• Provide support to a division that is passionate about the work we do;
• Engage is a rewarding career;
• Thrive in an exciting environment;
• Work together in a collaborative team environment.

Position Highlights

• Monday – Friday
• Full Time (40 hours per week)
• Location: Central Office located at 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT
• 8:00am – 4:30pm
• Hybrid Schedule

The Role:

In this position, you would perform specialized duties related to programmatic review and implementation; offers recommendations to management on policies and procedures regarding divisional and program activities; prepares highly technical reports on activities; performs related duties as required.

About Us:

The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS), has a mission that we, along with our partners, provide person-centered programs and services to enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities.

We hope you take this opportunity to continue your career with us and make an impact by serving your state!

These positions will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.

The Department of Social Services participates in E-Verify.

In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify their qualifications on their application. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

Please note you will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system. Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.

Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account.

Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position.

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.

If selected for further consideration, State employees may be required to provide last 2 service ratings and last 2 attendance records.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Julie Barker at [email protected].

All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to [email protected].

• Experience with resources and services available for vulnerable populations.
• Experience with social and economic problems and research related to vulnerable populations.
• Experience with review, analysis and evaluation of management and operation of programs.
• Experience with interpreting complex written material including regulations and statutes.
• Experience with contracting process and language format.
• Experience with planning, organizing and negotiation skills.
• Experience with problem identification and solution-based interventions.
• Experience with state and federal cost standards and budget and accounting principles.
• Experience with writing communication related to grant administration activities.
• Experience with grant administration and program/contract development.