Job Description

The Town of Berwick is seeking a Part-Time General Assistance Caseworker/Customer Service Representative. This position is responsible for scheduling, intake, interview, research, investigation, determining eligibility, record keeping, providing various types of assistance and report filing for clients seeking general assistance. In addition, this position assists customers with vehicle registrations, tax collection, preparation of vital records, and any additional tasks assigned by the Town Clerk.

The successful candidate must have the ability get along with others in a professional manner; provide excellent customer service; exhibit empathy and compassion; thorough knowledge and skill in operating a personal computer and applicable office software specifically Word and Excel, excellent organizational skills.

The candidate must possess a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalent and one to three (1-3) years related work experience in an office environment; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses/Certifications/Other:

· Ability to be bonded and be certified to process Motor Vehicle transactions by the State of Maine within six (6) months of appointment.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Open Until Filled

Applications for Employment can be obtained by visiting the Town’s website at Welcome to Berwick, ME (berwickmaine.org)or the Human Resources Department at Town Hall. Completed applications should be sent to: Attn: Human Resources, Town of Berwick, 11 Sullivan Street, Berwick, Maine 03901, or email to hr@berwickmaine.org.

To be considered for employment with the Town of Berwick applicants must complete the Town’s Application for Employment.

The Town of Berwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: General Assistance/Customer Service Rep.

Classification: Non-exempt

Department: Town Clerk’s Office

Reports To: Town Clerk

Supervisory: No
Position Type: Part-Time Monday through Thursday

GENERAL SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Town Clerk, the GA caseworker/Customer Service Rep. is responsible for scheduling, intake, interview, research, investigation, determining eligibility, record keeping, providing various types of assistance and report filing for clients seeking general assistance. In addition, this position assists customers with vehicle registrations, tax collection, preparation of vital records, and any additional tasks assigned by the Town Clerk.

Essential Functions:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

General Assistance Caseworker duties:

· Schedules appointments and takes applications for general assistance; interviews clients, investigates and determines need in accordance with applicable General Assistance guidelines and determines the amount and type of assistance necessary and appropriate.

· Manages client case files for permanent record, maintains detailed account and client records; prepares reports as required and completes forms, keeping records and data entry of client history and financial assistance.

· Ensures that client eligibility is documented by verifying information supplied by applicants, landlords, and vendors.

· Investigates possible fraud and abuse of programs and reports irregularities to appropriate officials.

· Processes general assistance invoices and vouchers for payment.

· Answers telephone and handles routine inquiries about office operations.

· Assists applicants for poverty property tax abatement based on financial need.

· Processes poverty tax abatement requests collaboratively with the GA Administrator and presents cases to the Select Board.

· Maintains liaison with, and makes client referral to, various local, state, and federal agencies or other human services organizations.

· Directs and maintains records of work-for-assistance program (“work-fare”), including orientation, arranging jobs, scheduling work, and overall supervision.

· Keeps current on legal and administrative changes in regulations relating to the Town’s General Assistance responsibilities.

· Exercises independent judgment and initiative in the interpretation and application of laws, ordinances, regulations, and procedures.

Customer Service Representative duties:

· Greets and assists visitors courteously and promptly.

· Processes motor vehicle registrations

· Collects and posts transactions such as Code Enforcement fees, recreation fees, transfer station fees, parking tickets, and excise taxes.

· Calculates and processes late charges, customer refunds and maintains detailed and accurate records.

· Prepares vital records.

· Performs a variety of administrative duties including typing memos, compiling agendas, filing, copying, and scanning.

Other duties:

· Must get along with others and work in a professional manner.

• Maintains regular, predictable, and reliable attendance.
• Maintains excellent communication and fosters a collaborative working environment with all departments as well as with the public.
• Places an emphasis on safety, efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Follows all Town and Department policies and safety procedures.

· Performs other relevant duties as assigned.

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience and Education/Training :

· High School diploma or equivalent

· One to three (1-3) years prior work experience including cash management or collection of bill payments preferred ; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses/Certifications/Other:

· Ability to be bonded and be certified to process Motor Vehicle transactions by the State of Maine within six (6) months of appointment.

KNOWLEDGES/SKILLS

· General knowledge of the Maine General Laws pertaining to the provision of tax collection services

· Thorough knowledge of the State of Maine General Assistance Laws.

· Thorough knowledge of computer applications for financial record keeping.

· Excellent customer service skills.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

· Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, or related software.

· Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the town’s software systems.

ABILITY TO:

· Exhibit empathy and compassion.

· Work independently, prioritize work and meet deadlines.

· Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

· Prepare accurate reports and records.

· Manage multiple tasks in a timely and accurate manner.

· Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

· Use independent judgment, problem solve and collaborate to accomplish tasks.

· Provide a high level of customer service to both internal and external customers.

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.

· Attend any required or recommended training.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work Environment : The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of a municipal office subject to frequent interruptions. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant.

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. and occasionally move boxes weighing up to 20 pounds across office for various needs. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Frequently positions self to maintain files in file cabinets. The person in this position must have the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. In addition, the person in this position must have the ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature, requirements, and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an inclusive or exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 19 – 25 per week

Shift:

• Day shift

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person
• Office

Work Location: In person

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