OVERVIEW OF ATHENA:

ATHENA Consulting is an award-winning staffing firm serving state and local governments. Our mission is to make lives better! We make our Clients’ Lives Easier by engaging and supporting our clients and partnering with them to be the most knowledgeable staffing partner. We make our Employees’ Lives Better by identifying and cultivating their talents and matching these talents with our customers’ needs. ATHENA places a high value on customer service, accountability and getting the job done.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are currently recruiting for a bilingual (English/Spanish) Human Services Specialist V. This temporary, full-time position pays $26.00 per hour and is located in Silver Spring MD. Need candidates available to start ASAP, Position will end March 2025.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·       Act as the first line provider and conduct triage for HHS programs and other sources for the Piccard Pilot Customer.

·       Assess the situation and ensure the proper applications are filled.

·       Explain eligibility standards for HHS benefit programs.

·       Receive, review and distribute the following applications: TCA, TDAP, Food Stamps, Medical Assistance, Rental Assistance, Child Care Subsidies, Maryland Energy Assistance Program, Pharmacy Assistance, MCHP Program, Emergency Assistance for pending evictions and utility cut-offs, and other appropriate services.

·       Explains and distributes to the customer forms needed for the Intake Process; e.g. housing verification, school verification, asset listing, etc.

·       Interface with all County Offices to answer customer queries and facilitate prompt resolution of issues and concerns in the application processing.

·       Screen customer through the use of the “List of Service Needs” form for all needed referrals and appointments.

·       Support customers in applying for other State and Federal programs such as Social Security and Supplemental Security Insurance applications.

·       Support customers in communicating with area hospitals and other medical facilities when required to obtain needed information for customers regarding billing issues.

·       Make all referrals assisting when necessary to all other State, County and non-governmental services available such as Food Bank (e.g. Manna), Dental/Medical Clinics, credit counseling, legal aide, clothing sources…etc.

·       Make appointments or hard referrals to designated HHS and community partners

·       Reviews and enter information in to the CARES and AIF system as required by the pilot.

·       Make determinations based on program knowledge as to whether or not individuals are eligible for expedited services.

·       Participate in developing department goals, objectives, and systems.

·       Participate in staff meetings and attend other meetings and seminars as assigned.

·       Recommend new approaches, polices, and procedures, to continually improve efficiency of the department and services performed.

·       Efficiently performs duties as assigned and works as a team within division and company.

·       Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

·       Strong working knowledge of Emergency Services and Income Support rules and regulations, bilingual capability preferred.

·       Knowledge of county programs and services, previous experience with the HHS Customer

·       Excellent verbal, written, and listening communication skills within the English language.

·       Proven, high quality customer service (internal and external customers).

·       Ability to work collaboratively.

·       Solid ability to analyze situations carefully and adopt appropriate courses of action.

·       Ability to understand and adhere to the duties, methods, and procedures required by the position.

·       Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

·       Ability to prioritize tasks.

·       Ability to effectively communicate to large and small group audiences.

·       Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

·       Bachelor's degree.

Physical Requirements:

·       Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

·       Must be able to lift and move up to 25 pounds at times. 

·       Standard hours of work Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, however evening and weekend hours may be required. 

·       Travel may be required up to 10% of the time. 

Successful ATHENA employees will display the following characteristics:

• You strive to be the best in your field currently and in the future.


• You like to make your employer look good.


• You find solutions, where others only see problems.


• You are proactive, you make and meet commitments, and you perform your duties exceedingly well.


• You are aware of the employer’s needs at all times and are well-versed in what you personally and ATHENA can offer them as a whole.


• You have the ability to work with diverse, integrated, deliverable-driven teams to accomplish the larger mission.

The benefits of working for ATHENA include:

· Support from a team of professionals committed to making your life better.

· Medical, dental and vision insurance.

· Medical and dependent flexible spending account.

· Pet insurance.

· Mass transportation benefit for the Maryland and Washington, D.C. area.

· 401k with a generous employer match.

· Easy to use employee self-serve HR portal.

· Paid time off.

· Holiday pay.

The statements in this Job Posting are intended to describe the general nature and minimum level of work required.  The content should not be construed as a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required to meet the criteria for this position.  Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application for employment is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment and if hired, employment with the company is on an at-will basis and could be terminated at the will of either party.

ATHENA Consulting LLC does not discriminate in hiring based on federally protected classifications to include but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.