Client Support Specialist for Special Populations

The position

In the role of Client Support Specialist for Special Populations, you’ll be making a difference in the lives of homeless Amsterdammers. Your primary responsibility is to assess eligibility for benefits. In addition, you’ll assist clients in finding employment or participating in community life. Our clients need clarity and (specialized) personalized support, and that is exactly what we provide. You will work with a vulnerable population, offering support and encouragement when needed, and working toward stability and employment. You will manage a caseload and serve as the client’s primary point of contact. Clients can turn to you if they have questions about income, work, education, and reintegration/activation. You don’t wait for the client to come to you; instead, you work proactively. You hold discussions with the client, and together you determine what is needed to become (more) self-reliant. In doing so, you ensure coordination with colleagues from other departments and external partners.

The field is constantly evolving, and the target audience is diverse. You therefore keep abreast of developments in the labor market and within the field, are familiar with local resources, and are committed to collaboration.

We are looking for both permanent and temporary employees (12-month contract) for the department. Please indicate your preference in your cover letter.

Here's what you do on an average day

• You use appropriate and motivational communication techniques to get to know the customers and build a customer profile.
• You are responsible for processing applications and changes related to eligibility. This includes applications for living expenses and special assistance for administrative costs, special assistance for home furnishings, or changes in eligibility when someone starts working part-time.
• You establish clear agreements with customers and supply chain partners and ensure they are followed. If customers fail to comply with these agreements, you implement measures commensurate with the severity of the violation.
• You monitor your clients' progress and make adjustments as needed.

This is where you get started

We strive to be a great employer that ensures all our colleagues feel seen and valued. We embrace the differences among our colleagues; these differences lead to better results for both our organization and our city. We aim to build a workforce that reflects Amsterdam’s diverse population. So, whoever you are, you’re more than welcome here!

The Work, Participation, and Income (WPI) department, and in particular its Special Target Groups division, supports Amsterdam’s most vulnerable residents. The division serves Amsterdam residents who are homeless or living on the streets. These are residents facing housing challenges, but often also struggling with issues such as financial difficulties, mental health, and (problematic) substance use. The Special Target Groups department helps build a more dignified life when self-reliance is insufficient or threatened. Social assistance, budget management, debt counseling, a mailing address, daytime activities, and job placement support are examples of services that can be provided as part of a comprehensive support package. Medical care, mental health counseling, and housing assistance may also be included. Together, we ensure that these Amsterdam residents can take control of their lives again!

What you bring

For this position as a Client Support Specialist for Special Populations, you must have:

• An affinity for the target group of homeless people.
• You must have at least a college-level education and way of thinking, as demonstrated by a diploma. If you do not have a diploma, we will conduct an assessment to determine whether you meet this minimum requirement.

You should have the following skills:

• Judgment: Reaches a well-considered and realistic conclusion based on information and analysis of a given situation.
• Speed of comprehension: Able to quickly grasp new information or events; able to quickly orient oneself in an unfamiliar environment.
• Customer focus: Responds to the customer's wishes and needs.
• Stress-resistant: Continues to work effectively under pressure, in the face of adversity, and/or in a hectic environment.

What we offer you

As a Client Support Specialist for Special Populations, you will join our team for 32–36 hours per week and can expect the following terms of employment:

• A gross monthly salary ranging from €3,317 to €4,752 (pay scale 9) based on a 36-hour workweek. The exact salary will be determined based on your education, knowledge, and experience.
• For both positions, you will receive a 12-month employment contract, with the possibility of a permanent contract for one of the two positions if you do not currently have an employment contract with the City of Amsterdam, or if you have only a temporary contract.
• If you already have a permanent employment contract with the City of Amsterdam, you will retain it and be transferred.
• Opportunities for professional development and training. Our in-house training center, the Amsterdam School, offers a variety of training programs, professional development tracks, and on-the-job coaching to help you continue to challenge yourself.
• An individual flexible budget (IKB) equal to 17.05% of your salary, which you can use for things like additional pension contributions or extra days off.
• A pension plan with ABP, the pension fund for the public sector and education.
• A travel allowance of €0.10 per kilometer, up to a 45-kilometer one-way commute, for the number of days you work in the office, and/or a work-from-home allowance of €3 net per workday that you work from home.
• A monthly contribution toward health insurance.
• Hybrid work: In this role, you can work partly from home and partly in the office. We provide the necessary equipment to help you set up a safe and healthy workspace at home.
• A cell phone and a laptop.

Curious about all our employment terms and conditions? View the Amsterdam Municipal Personnel Regulations (PGA) at www.amsterdam.nl/pga/.

Apply for this job

• If this job opening interests you, please submit your application by March 20, 2023, usingthe application form on our website.
• We would like to receive your cover letter, in which you explain, in no more than one A4 page, why your work experience and skills are a good fit for this position. Your cover letter will be taken into consideration during the selection process. Please also indicate your preferred type of employment (permanent or temporary).
• The selection process begins immediately after the application deadline and consists of a CV/cover letter review and an interview. If you do not hold a bachelor’s degree, an assessment will be part of the process following a successful initial interview. You will receive an online link to two questionnaires: a personality questionnaire (30 minutes) and a motivational questionnaire (20 minutes), as well as a cognitive test (60 minutes).
• The selection committee consists of four people, including your manager and the immediate colleagues you will be working with.
• If your resume meets the job requirements, we would be happy to invite you for an interview.
• The interviews will take place at our office located at Jan van Galenstraat 323 in Amsterdam.
• This job opening is being advertised internally and externally at the same time. Employees of the City of Amsterdam will be given priority in the hiring process.
• We require a recent Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) from every colleague who joins our team.

Do you have any questions about this job opening?

If you have any questions, please contact Teun van Went, Team Manager for Special Populations, at 06 109 27 875 and T.van.Went@amsterdam.nl

Sales calls are not appreciated.