Are you a customer service professional looking to start a career in state service?
If so, we hope you will explore this dynamic opportunity to join us!
The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS) is actively recruiting for multiple Social Services Assistants to work in the First Touch Contact Center, with locations in Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven CT.
If you are passionate for helping others and skilled at working with various populations in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply!
Position Highlights:
- SHIFT: first-shift, full time (40 hours per week)
- SCHEDULE: 8:00AM - 4:30PM OR 8:30AM - 5:00PM
- LOCATIONS: Bridgeport, Hartford or New Haven, CT
Your Role:
A Social Services Assistant within the Department of Social Services (DSS) is responsible for high-volume call management and the preliminary assessment of client needs for the purpose of referral, gathering and sharing of information concerning client problems primarily over the phone.
Please Note: DSS provides customer service in a variety of ways, including answering calls and/or providing face-to-face assistance in our Resource Centers.
As a Social Services Assistant, you will:
- Communicate clearly and empathetically with clients and colleagues.
- Be flexible and able to adhere to frequent instructions, directives and changes in assignments.
- Be able to multi-task. Example: Using various computer applications and programs at once.
- Update the DSS computer system with clear and concise case notes.
- Respond to client concerns and complaints.
- Attend all mandatory meetings/trainings via Teams and in person.
- Keep up to date with program and policy changes through trainings and written communications.
- More details can be found in the class specification and the 'Examples of Duties' section below.
We are looking for someone who will:
- Have excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
- Have experience working with culturally diverse populations.
- Have experience in conducting in-depth interviews.
- Work independently, as well as a part of a team.
- Have strong data entry, research, record maintenance and analytical skills.
- Critically think and critically review work.
- Multitask, organize workflow and adapt to shifting priorities to meet challenging deadlines.
- Navigate through multiple computer systems and software concurrently.
- Understand and apply federal and state guidelines and statutes.
- Possess a high-level organization with strong attention to detail and accuracy while working expeditiously in a fast-paced environment.
What’s In It For You:
Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
- Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
- A healthy work-life balance to all employees.
- 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.
Discover the opportunity to:
- Engage in a rewarding career
- Assist our employees so they can achieve success
- Make a difference in the public sector
- Work together in a collaborative team environment
Please note that DSS takes part in the E-Verify system, which is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 [email protected].
- 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.
- 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.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
- 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).
- 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!
- 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.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- 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.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
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 [email protected].
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
In a social service agency or institution this class is accountable for performing work of a paraprofessional nature in direct service or public assistance areas.
High School graduation or equivalency OR any experience and training which would provide the skills and abilities listed above.
Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
