Director of General Assistance

The Director of General Assistance is a full-time, 40 hour per week position under the supervision of the Township Supervisor. The Director creates reports to the Township Supervisor and the board of trustees by law. The Director manages the state mandated local program providing financial assistance and resources for individuals not eligible for other state or federal aid. Manages staff, including an Assistant Director, Case Managers and Office Manager.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Determine eligibility for General Assistance and other programs for residents in need.
  • Oversees the General Assistance and Emergency Assistance programs, staying current with state and federal regulations.
  • Plan and prepare the annual General Assistance budget for presentation to and approval by the Township Supervisor and Board of Trustees.
    • Require the ability to anticipate fiscal needs of the Township’s disadvantaged residents on the basis of the community trends and economic outlook.
  • Oversee the compiling of monthly statistics of people served and funds spent as a means of accountability and noting trends of community needs.
    • Complete an Annual report of Township General Assistance department activities.
  • Administer the Township General Assistance program as it applies to the laws, rules, and regulations of the State of Illinois Public aid Code and adopted TOI (Township Officials of Illinois) General Assistance program as it relates to the individual needs of the township’s indigent residents.
  • Supervise the update and revisions of the Township General Assistance Manual to meet the needs of the community as well as comply with State Statute and the State of Illinois General Assistance Manual.
  • Actively seek out new programs or other ways to help residents.
  • Attend appeal hearings when needed.
  • Develop and maintain professional relationships with external service providers and charity organizations.
  • Attend meetings, workshops, seminars, etc. pertaining to the administration of General Assistance clients/residents.
  • Provide consultation to other Township agencies, community groups and individual citizens regarding the scope and function of Maine Township General Assistance, as well as welfare and social services programs as they pertain to the needs of individual Township residents and groups.
  • Train and supervise all case managers and staff as may be required to maintain full services to applicants and recipients of the Township General Assistance Programs.
  • Develop General Assistance forms and written notifications to applicants and recipients of services in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Public Aid Code and General Assistance Program.
  • Direct all General Assistance and auxiliary programs-i.e.- Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), Access to Care, Benefit Access, Public Aid Advocacy, Medicare D Enrollment, Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), Food Pantry referral and Maine Township General Assistance Community Workfare Program.
  • Prepare the necessary public relation materials for the various programs to raise community awareness.
  • Client intake and interviews if needed.
  • Recruit, recommend for hire and train any potential new staff in the department.
  • Be available for other duties and responsibilities as needed. Other duties may be assigned.
This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

  • Thorough understanding of the Township GA Manual, with knowledge of applicable state and federal welfare regulations.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects, programs, and services effectively and efficiently.
  • Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks.
  • Demonstrated customer service experience and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience supervising a team of five or more employees.
  • Ability to provide constructive leadership and work effectively with diverse personalities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency with computers and standard software applications.
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
  • High attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Exceptional organizational skills.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

  • B.A. or B.S. degree in Social Services or a related field preferably with Public Aid experience
  • Three to five years’ experience with Township General Assistance policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrates one to three years’ experience leading and managing staff.
Computer Skills

  • Excellent computer skills and extensive knowledge of all Microsoft office applications including, but not limited to Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Knowledge of VisualGA Software or similar
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

  • Township Officials of Illinois General Assistance Training (can be provided)
Working Conditions/Physical Demands

  • Work requires the ability to lift/carry objects weighing no more than 15 pounds on a regular basis.
  • Work requires the ability to stoop, bend, reach and grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity,
  • Work requires sufficient auditory and visual acuity to interact with and/or care for others.
Salary

  • Job Type: Full Time – Salary
  • Starting Salary: $75,000-$100,000 Annually
  • Work Location: In person
Maine Township is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants for employment will be considered without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

To apply, complete an online employment application.