Address
Form of work
SalaryInitial Posting Date:
03/11/2024 Application Deadline:
03/25/2024 Agency:
Department of Human Services Salary Range:
3,095.00 - 4,536.00 Position Type:
Employee Position Title:
Counselor Assistant (Human Services Assistant 2/Limited Duration) Job Description:
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively working to build an equitable agency with the
Equity North Star
as our guide toward our vision of an agency free of racism, discrimination and bias. We believe that teams in which everyone can show up as their full authentic self are key to creating a thriving workforce that can better serve communities. We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to apply. This is a limited duration position scheduled to end one year from date of hire. This position may be extended in the future. Limited Duration employees are eligible for benefits.
Would you like the opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources? Would you enjoy working with a diverse team that collaborates and learns together in service of Oregonians with disabilities? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
We are hiring a Counselor Assistant (Human Services Assistant 2) to join our Vocational Rehabilitation team in Bend, Oregon. In this position, you will provide direct consumer support services to a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor and the Branch Manager by performing technical casework assistant tasks. Some of the primary duties will include client support services, casework support services, review of referrals, and reading service questionnaires as needed if it is mostly handwritten.
Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), A place to belong and make a difference!
- When you join theODHS, you join a community of over 10,000 employees dedicated to serving and helping Oregonians achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice, and preserve dignity.
- Connect with ODHS Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and find a place to belong, build community and participate in shared learning. ERGs are employee-driven committees that support each other as well as the ODHS’ overall mission and vision.
- We are committed to building an antiracist and equitable agency. Equity is foundational to our role as a Human Services agency and we are committed to integrating equity into all we do. TheEquity North Starhas four points that explain the agency's goals related to equity, inclusion, and racial justice.
- We know that life is unpredictable and ODHS cares about keeping you well. Enjoy a work-life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, andcompetitive benefits packagesincluding health, dental, vision and much more!
What you need to qualify
One year of experience assisting professionals in one or more of the following specialized social program areas:
- Economically disadvantaged
- Substance dependent
- Mentally or physically disabled
- Child abuse and neglect
- Juvenile delinquent
Any degree in a related mental health or Human Services program may substitute for six months of the required experience.
Essential attributes
We are looking for candidates with:
- Experience working with diverse populations, specifically individuals with various types of disabilities.
- Experience de-escalating frustrated or confused visitors or clients while their upholding dignity and respect.
- Communication skills explaining billing questions, procedures, policies, and/or eligibility in written correspondence, in person, and/or over the phone, so people can easily understand.
- Experience organizing and prioritizing workload in a way that allows you to self-regulate what’s needed.
- Experience maintaining professional attitude/composure amongst frequent interruptions due to phone calls, as well as staff and clients.
- Collaboration skills that value respect while working with diverse groups in person, over the phone, virtually, and with written correspondence.
Please be sure to clearly describe how you meet these attributes within your application materials. These attributes will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process.
Your duties at a glance
Vocational Rehabilitation
As a Counselor Assistant, you will:
- Read service questionnaires as needed if it is mostly handwritten.
- Compose, type, and proofread a variety of correspondence including letters, memos, case file narrative and reports from general instructions.
- Determine proper formats and modes of address for letters, memos and reports.
- Maintain office filing systems and client files according to established procedures.
- Use automated case management system (ORCA) to enter, update and retrieve client information in a timely and accurate manner.
- Use ORCA to issue purchasing documents to vendors and clients.
- Check billing invoices for accuracy.
- Contact or correspond with vendors and others regarding billing questions, procedures, problems and late payments.
- Maintain file and projections of client cost services.
- Obtain information in a cordial and friendly manner and directs consumer to appropriate destinations.
- Make referrals to other programs for services.
- Respond on the phone or in person to consumers, other agencies and the public to questions about specific VR services, policies, office procedures, and eligibility.
- Provide direct support services to consumers with disabilities by assisting with completion of application forms and gathering information to assist in determining eligibility for VR services.
- Provide consumers with verbal and/or written information on VR processes.
- Schedule appointments.
- Assist consumers in obtaining information, acquiring bids, similar benefits, and resources.
- Contact consumers by telephone, in writing and in person to provide follow-up services and to monitor progress toward employment goals.
- Coordinate scheduling of office staff.
- Train clerical staff, including volunteers and temporary staff.
- Maintain inventory of supplies, office forms and order as appropriate.
- Process incoming and outgoing mail, determining proper distribution.
- Provide limited computer systems support.
- Coordinate office equipment maintenance, repair or replacement.
- Provide clerical support to other offices upon request.
- Pay office bills, such as rent, phone, etc.
- Coordinate motor pool vehicle acquisition and maintenance.
- Maintain a work environment that respects, understands, and honors the lived experiences of our clients, colleagues, and the communities we serve.
- Demonstrate awareness, understanding and alignment with ODHS Core Values of Innovation, Integrity, Professionalism, Respect, Responsibility, Service Equity, and Stewardship. These values are foundational to the agency’s commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization.
Working conditions
- This is a limited duration position scheduled to end one year from date of hire. This position may be extended in the future. Limited Duration employees are eligible for benefits.
- Your work schedule will be Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm.
- You will answer multi-line phones and greet consumers in the office.
- You will work with a diverse group of program participants who have physical, mental and/or emotional disabilities.
- You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
- There may be stressful situations that may require quick decision-making skills to ensure safety of those being serviced and own physical safety. This may also be trauma inducing.
- Work in an environment with frequent interruptions due to phone calls and staff or client needs.
- Must have the ability to work independently much of the time and under critical timelines.
- Occasional local or out of town travel with possible overnight stay required. Travel may be twice a month for local travel. Out of town travel may be once or twice a year.
Application instructions & requirements
Your work history profile, cover letter, and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and demonstrate your skills, lived and/or work experience that shows you are an excellent candidate for the position.
- A cover letter is required. Attach a cover letter that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications, requirements, and essential attributes for the position.
- Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
- Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account.
- If you are not a current State of Oregon employee, view thisapplication instructional video.
- After you submit your application, you will have additional tasks to complete in Workday. Please continue to check your Workday account throughout the recruitment process.
- A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position or an appropriate form of transportation.
Additional requirements
- Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history and abuse check. Adverse background information will be reviewed and could result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer or termination of employment.
- The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record to be able to drive State vehicles.
Helpful information
- This position is represented by the Union (SEIU).
- This is a limited duration position scheduled to end one year from date of hire. This position may be extended in the future. Limited Duration employees are eligible for benefits.
- This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
- Have questions about Workday, and want some tips on understanding the state application process? Check out ourOregon job opportunitiespage.
- If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process or have questions about the job duties or application process, please contact,Marina.Nieblas@odhs.oregon.govvia email. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.
