Assistance worker

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Economic Assistance Case Worker. Our ideal candidate has demonstrated knowledge of the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC), and the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and will determine initial and ongoing eligibility for economic assistance programs.

DTA attracts people passionate about public service, who love to work in a fast-paced environment, and who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Perform all case maintenance tasks related to TAFDC, EAEDC and SNAP, and assist with additional assistance for benefits, referrals to other state agencies and community partners, and other resources to support clients as necessary.
• Prepare and deliver explanations of initial and ongoing eligibility decisions.
• Conduct interactive interviews utilizing the agency’s PC based eligibility system.
• Obtain, review, verify, and process client information and determine eligibility.
• Provide responsive client-centered communication that supports individual family goals.
• Determine work program requirement status for clients of TAFDC and ensure all clients are connected to employment and training opportunities available.
• Assist clients with developing and implementing an employment plan and provide services that support client economic mobility and employment.
• Provide guidance, resources and placement assistance for job training and support services available in community including employment plans, education and skill assessments, child care, and transportation when appropriate.
• Monitor sanction process and employ reengagement strategies to promote client participation and mitigate challenges.
• Evaluate and monitor client cases to ensure compliance with applicable rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Report all Domestic Violence issues to the appropriate Domestic violence specialist immediately.
• Ensure all clients are made aware of ADA services provided by the required staff.

Required Qualifications:

• 
  Knowledge of referral sources available for providing services to clients, including available community support and social services resources.
• Knowledge of the social and economic problems of the diverse client population and the related impact on employability and economic mobility.
• Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.
• Ability to gather and assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures through interviewing and observing individuals and by examining records and documents.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, logical narratives and maintain accurate records of information provided orally or in writing.
• Ability to determine the applicability of client data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with tact, to exercise sound judgment, and exercise discretion in handling confidential information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of referral sources available for providing services to clients including available community support and social services resources.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the social and economic barriers of the diverse client population and the related impact on employability and self-sufficiency.

• Ability to effectively communicate and maintain accurate records both orally and in writing.

• Ability to understand persons from different ethnic, cultural and/or economic backgrounds.

• Ability to demonstrate empathy toward those with physical and/or emotional stress and maintain a calm manner in stressful and/or emergency situations.

• Ability to prioritize and organize several tasks and demonstrate problem solving skills under adverse working conditions.

• Ability to use personal computer (PC) based systems and applications.

• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

Agency Mission:


The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs to low-income residents of the Commonwealth. DTA is committed to providing a high level of service to all those in need. The mission of the Department is to assist and empower low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one out of every six people in Massachusetts – including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, economic assistance, and employment supports.

Learn more about our services and programs visit:

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form

For questions, please the contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.


MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:


REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: At least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in social work or social casework, claims adjudication, job placement, recruitment, employment counseling, vocational or rehabilitation counseling, credit investigation, educational counseling, legal advocacy, or legal counseling.


SUBSTITUTIONS:

• A Bachelor's or higher degree may be substituted for two years of the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.

• One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

LICENSES: Based on assignment, travel may be required. Those employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title : Benef Elig & Refer Soc Wrk (C)

Primary Location : United States-Massachusetts-Roxbury-2201 Washington Street

Job : Community and Social Services

Agency : Department of Transitional Assistance

Schedule : Full-time

Shift : Day

Job Posting : Sep 16, 2025, 9:57:43 AM

Number of Openings : 2

Salary : 70,698.94 - 96,052.32 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : EmmaLee Pallai/[email protected] - 6172164363

Bargaining Unit : 08-SEIU - Local 509 - Social/Rehabilitation

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes