Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy
Job Posting closes: Open until filled
Required documents (as listed in Qualifications and Required Documents sections) must be uploaded by close date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Agency Information
Kansas Department for Children and Families | www.dcf.ks.gov
Prevention & Protection Services
Wichita Region / Wichita
About the Position
Who can apply: External (anyone)
Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday
Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes
Compensation: $40,248.00. Salary may be dependent upon the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Employment Benefits
In addition to the starting salary, the State of Kansas offers a significant benefits package that is available the first day of employment. All benefits eligible, full-time employees may elect to enroll in:
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Health Insurance including medical, dental, vision (plus optional partner/dependent coverage at reduced cost)
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Creation of and contribution to your personal KPERS defined Retirement benefit
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9-10 paid, annual holidays
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12 paid, annual vacation days
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12 paid, annual sick days
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1 paid Discretionary Day
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Your personal life insurance policy equal to 150% of your starting salary
- This benefits package represents additional annual compensation.
Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information.
Position Summary & Responsibilities
The Kansas Department for Children and Families is hiring innovators and leaders. If you believe people have the capacity to progress, succeed, grow, and do well in life, you can discover your purpose here! Find more than just a job with DCF. You can be part of the growth and opportunity for our team to help serve the individuals and families in your community. Thrive With Us and find your career and purpose!
A Human Services Specialist is primarily responsible assists with eligibility-related functions as assigned by analyzing documentation, verifying information, and applying relevant policies to support service authorization. In addition, the role requires collaboration with social workers and supervisors, participation in required training and workgroups, and completion of special projects or other assigned duties. The specialist is also responsible for gathering, researching, and entering accurate and timely information into the FACTS system to activate, maintain, and close electronic case files in accordance with established procedures and deadlines. The position supports case operations by reviewing records, researching internal and external databases, and coordinating with staff to ensure complete and reliable case information.
View the full position description below.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: *If a driver’s license is required for the position, candidates will be required to submit a copy to the recruiter following interviews* Two years of experience interviewing, investigating, compiling information, documenting decisions, interpreting guidelines and/or providing technical assistance relevant to the agency's programs. Post secondary education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.
Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:
Security Clearance: A background check (KBI - criminal background, welfare fraud, driver's license and Child/Adult Abuse and Neglect Central Registry) is required for all positions with the Department for Children and Families (DCF) as a condition of employment, which may include fingerprinting and FBI check. Security clearance must be obtained prior to employment with DCF. Must maintain security clearance throughout employment.
Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas. Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a State job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer. A Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law.
If you have a missing tax return(s) or you owe taxes to the State of Kansas, please know that the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you. The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive a Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199.
Kansas Department of Revenue - Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions
Recruiter Contact Information
Please reference Job ID Number: 221741
Job Application Process
First Sign in or register as a New User.
Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.
Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page
Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page
Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"
Required Documents* for this Application to be Complete
Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page
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State of Kansas online application
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Resume
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Cover letter
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Legible copy of valid driver’s license (if driver’s license is required)
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Transcripts** (if educational requirements are listed for this position)
**If degree is a requirement listed, transcript must show proof of graduation or degree obtained. -
DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)
- Required documents must be uploaded by close date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”.
How to Claim Veterans Preference
Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference
How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference
Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.
Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference
PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785) 296-7712, scanned and emailed to [email protected], or can be mailed/delivered in person to:
ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.
E-Verify: DCF participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Full Position Description
The person in this position has access to protected health information (PHI) under the provisions of the Heath Information Portability Act of 1996 (HIPPA) Privacy Rule. PHI must be treated in accordance with the provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Regulation including the requirements for safeguarding, releasing and recording the release of such information. The person will receive training in the provision of the HIPAA Privacy Regulations as they relate to the duties of this position and has signed a confidentiality agreement.
In addition to the tasks listed below, the incumbent is expected to communicate the Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles of the agency to peers, clients and the public; identify personal strengths and developmental needs to increase job performance and long-term career growth. Continually analyze work processes, seek new approaches and make recommendations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the agency. Works in a harmonious and cooperative fashion with other staff to provide efficient and effective customer service. Uses free time as available to assist other staff in the completion of work assignments. Contributes to a positive work environment through a positive, helpful, courteous demeanor towards staff, clients, and the general public. Adheres to appropriate standards of conduct regarding the use of leave and reports to work on time.
1. 35% E Eligibility Determination
Provides accurate and timely eligibility determinations and reviews for one or more Federal and State programs through analysis, interpretation and application of numerous complex policies and regulation.
Implements Federal (Title IV-E) or State General Assistance (GA) funding for Foster Care, JJA, Adoption, Independent Living and Family Services.
Assesses and verifies information obtained from family and other sources.
Investigates case details to gain adequate information necessary for eligibility decisions. Information is gathered through the use of available computer information systems, research of records provided by clients, and community sources.
Utilizes fundamental accounting principles and general understanding of legal terminology and principles to analyze, quantify and apply policy.
Obtains appropriate information and documentation using the application, collateral interviews, phone contacts, internal and external collateral contacts or written verifications.
Completes all required documentation to open, review, update, transfer and close Foster Care and Family cases on all PPS systems (KAECSES, MMIS, FACTS, etc.).
Determines IV-E eligibility for children participating in and /or receiving social services based on information obtained and PPS Policy and Procedure.
Authorizes services in accordance with case plans and notifies the assigned social worker of client eligibility, changes in eligibility and consults with the social worker and supervisor if necessary.
2. 25% E Caseload Management
Conducts and completes case reviews, including the review of all client service agreements for accuracy and spending limitations/conditions.
Corrects eligibility case reads within 10 working days.
Organizes and manages caseload using computer, information systems, alerts, system data and reports.
Plans, implements and updates time management strategies to ensure the quality, quantity of timely completion of job duties.
Receives information from other agency staff, stakeholders, courts, and other sources and shares the information as necessary with a variety of stakeholders, professional staff, public and private agencies, child welfare service providers, courts, employers, businesses, attorneys, financial agencies, JJA cases managers for the purpose of updating status and redetermining eligibility.
Takes necessary action when new information is discovered or reported and to resolve client concerns.
Transfers files to other DCF offices as needed
Collaborates with other DCF staff in the investigation, determination and collection of overpayment of benefits or resolution of the underpayment of client benefits.
Coordinates with DCF Central Office, DCF Regions and other Federal and State agencies to resolve issues with PPS systems (KAECSES, WARDS, Social Security, etc.).
3. 20% E Support Services Authorization
Authorizes DCF service support payments to clients and child welfare providers according to established State of Kansas, DCF and PPS data and payment systems.
Reviews accuracy and timeliness of payments according to established agency guidelines.
Determines disbursement, conservation and monitoring of benefits received by youth in DCF custody, including the establishment of WARDS accounts.
4. 20% E Communication/Documentation
Responds to inquiries regarding IV-E Eligibility determination processes received from DCF staff based on information contained in the cases file. Information provided in a courteous manner.
Documents contacts, activities and all case specific information in all files and correspondence in a timely, concise, clear and factual manner and in the required format.
Information maintained provides verification, evaluation of quality of services rendered, justification for case action(s) taken, and determination of client success or need for further services.
Maintains clear and timely records of eligibility for PPS programs. Maintains IV-E database.
Utilizes professional writing skills and maintains confidentiality of information.
Generates information and provides technical assistance related to Foster Care cases.
Receives, interprets, understands and effectively communicates DCF, PPS, Federal and State policies and procedures.
Maintains reference manuals and all resource materials.
Models behavior expected of others and ensures relations with teams within the region, other regions and PPS Central Office are constructive; demonstrate mutual support, trust, and respect and values diversity.
Attends and participates in agency related training and attends workshops to enhance skills necessary to perform tasks related to the position.
Demonstrates open, honest, respectful and professional communication, encourages constructive expression of differing viewpoints.
Adapts communication style and approach to meet the needs of the situation.
Effectively communicates policy, the agency’s mission, vision and goals to fellow staff and stakeholders
Other duties as assigned
