Introduction
The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS) is recruiting for multiple Connecticut Careers Trainee vacancies with the target class of Eligibility Services Worker for our area offices across the state. In this position, you may be assigned to work remotely or in-office while determining eligibility for DSS programs and benefits and review comprehensive financial documents and statements, all while utilizing a variety of computer applications. We're looking for individuals who have strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills, can manage multiple priorities, and can think critically.
The Connecticut Careers Trainee (CCT) is a class targeted to college graduates to provide a one-year training program to develop the vital tools to work in the professional field of Eligibility Services Worker. You will receive training in introductory governmental work for development of skills and knowledge in the field of public administration in order to qualify for advancement into agency professional positions. You will perform a variety of increasingly difficult duties as skills are acquired during the course of the training period.
"Training as a CCT was a great experience! Being in a classroom setting with others that have just been hired to do the same thing as you, with all different backgrounds and experiences, was a pleasure. I still have friendships with many of the individuals that I have met during my CORE training who are also my coworkers from my office and other branches. There is a lot to learn and having others that can share in the same experience while going through it all together, is comforting. Virtual training in a Teams setting was a way to share as a group, but also presented time to learn and grow on your own. Overall, it was a wonderful experience!" -Marisa, Department of Social Services
Who We Are
We deliver and funds a wide range of programs and services as Connecticut’s multi-faceted health and human services agency. Guided by our shared belief in human potential, we envision a Connecticut where all have the opportunity to be healthy, secure and thriving. We, along with our partners, provide person-centered programs and services to enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities. Follow us on twitter@ctdss and see what we are all about!
What We Offer:
-
On the Job Training – Trainees undergo a rigorous training in preparation to carry out duties and responsibilities.
-
Competitive Salary – Employees earn competitive wages with opportunities for career advancement.
-
Insurance Benefits – Health coverage generally begins the first day of the month following your hire date.
-
Loan Repayment – Qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
-
Geographic Flexibility – Field offices located across Connecticut.
-
Hybrid Retirement Plan – New employees may elect to participate in the State Employees Retirement System which provides a retirement benefit including retiree health insurance.
- Work-Life Balance – 12 paid holidays per calendar year in addition to vacation, sick and personal leave accruals with many things to love about living, working, and playing in our state.
- Diversity and Fresh Perspectives - Work in a team-based, inclusive environment working with diverse populations.
- Limitless Opportunities - Grow your career with the Department of Social Services.
- Making a Difference in Your Community - Check out what it's like to be a state employee in the video below.
Salary Notes
- First Year of Training Bachelor's degree SH 15 Step 1 - $48,610.
- Master's degree SH 15 Step 2 - $50,369.
- Following successful completion of the training period, you will be considered for promotion to the target class of an Eligibility Services Worker SH 19 - $58,973.
- Salary range shall increase effective July 1, 2022.
Are ready to acquire skills, knowledge, and experience to develop a rewarding career?
Apply Today: No Resume or Cover Letter Required.
As indicated on the Work tab within the application, ensure you are providing descriptive, well-written details about your experiences, skills and accomplishments that relate to this position.
Selection Plan
Please note that DSS takes part in the E-Verify system, which is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
To Apply:
- In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on this job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.
- The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
Important Next Step Information for After You Apply:
- Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
- This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
- At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
- All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
Connect With Us:
- If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Elizabeth Weston at Elizabeth.Weston@ct.gov and reference the recruitment number.
- Due to the large volume of applications received, the Department of Administrative Services is unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account.
- Follow the State of Connecticut on LinkedIn.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state agency this class is accountable for mastering the skills necessary to satisfactorily complete the training program for a professional position.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
In a department or institution receives training in introductory governmental work for development of skills and knowledge in field of public administration in order to qualify for advancement into agency professional positions; performs a variety of increasingly difficult duties as skills are acquired during course of training period; performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Oral and written communication skills; ability to acquire knowledge and skills required for the target classification; ability to understand, evaluate and solve problems by exercising judgement and logic; ability to read, interpret and understand written material; ability to perform basic arithmetical computations; ability to interpret charts, graphs and tables; learning and reasoning ability; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relations with superiors, associates and general public; ability to utilize computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Possession of a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
NOTE:
-
If the target job classification has a Substitution Allowed that requires the Bachelor's or Master's degree to be in a specific area(s), then these specific degree areas are required for appointment to the Connecticut Career Trainee classification.
-
Candidates cannot be appointed until all degree requirements are complete.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working in fast-paced, person-centered environment with exposure to a culturally diverse population while working in-office and remotely.
- Experience or course work with Microsoft Office Suite including managing data, report writing, tracking work and scheduling meetings while working in-office and remotely.
- Experience or coursework with computer applications and software or other comparable automated programs, while working in-office and remotely.
- Experience managing multiple priorities and implementing time management best practices while working in-office and remotely.
- Experience with conducting interviews, gathering, and analyzing confidential information that involves considerable phone, email, and/or in person contact while working in-office and remotely.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.