Economic Support Counselor 1

About the Department

Pay Grade: G

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Who We Are. We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in communities throughout the state. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters.

What We Offer. As a member of the DPH team, you will join a group of passionate individuals dedicated to serving Georgians. Regardless of your role, you will contribute to protecting lives while enjoying a wide range of benefits.

• Make a Professional Impact – Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play.
• Enjoy Workplace Flexibility – Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and the people of Georgia.  
• Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team – Collaborate with employees who share ideas and leverage collective strengths. 
• Achieve Career Longevity – Take advantage of opportunities for learning and development that support a long-term career.
• Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture – Work in a unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role.
• Feel Pride in Where you Work – Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like yourself.

Position Duties

The Ryan White Clinic in Gainesville, GA provides outpatient medical and supportive services to uninsured and underinsured adults diagnosed with HIV/Aids in North Georgia. Under supervision, interviews and investigates applicants and recipients to determine eligibility for use of social programs and agency resources. Records and evaluates personal and financial data obtained from individuals. Initiates procedures to grant, modify, deny, or terminate eligibility for various aid programs.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (Overall Tasks and Expectations of the Position):

• Determines initial or continuing eligibility for social services programs.
• Explains eligibility requirements, form completion, community resources for assistance, housing opportunities, and selection methods
• Facilitates client access to community resources, including housing, food, clothing, school programs, and vocational opportunities or services
• Initiates procedures to grant, modify, deny, or terminate eligibility and grants for various programs.
• Interviews, assesses, and investigates applicants for public assistance to gather information pertinent to their application.
• Located and develops resources for families and/or applicants.
• Prepares and assists applicants in completion of routine intake forms.
• Prepares regular and special reports, keep records of assigned cases, and submits individual recommendations.
• Processes applications and/or reviews applications using appropriate criteria and policies consistently and according to established guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma/GED and two (2) years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications (Based on the Needs of the Position):

• Experience working with individuals needing access to services, support programs, and/or governmental benefits in a public health environment.
• Demonstratable experience performing complex tasks that require meeting time frames.
• Demonstratable experience with tasks that require high level of organization.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish. 

Other Qualifications

The DPH Commissioner and agency leaders encourage all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being. 

The use of physical activity breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and help employees meet their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes of physical activity may be allocated per workday, typically in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.

Employment Information

State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) as valid. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant credentials.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

Relocation assistance is not provided.

In the event of an identified emergency, you may be required, as a term and condition of DPH employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department. 

ADA Statement

DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, email DPH-HR@dph.ga.gov. 

DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not receive an interview.  DPH will contact selected applicants to proceed with the application process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

BENEFITS

Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees
 In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long-term care, and life insurance.

 Standard Benefits for Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and receive paid parental leave.