Benefit Program Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Goochland, VA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Benefit Program Specialist II is responsible for interviewing individuals to assess their need for assistance, determining and re-determining their eligibility for various benefit programs, and processing applications for financial aid. This role involves interpreting policies, monitoring case changes, evaluating client employability, and making appropriate referrals to service workers or other agencies. The specialist also identifies potential fraud and ensures data accuracy. The position is within the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), a large Commonwealth agency that partners with local departments and organizations to support the well-being of children and families across the state, serving thousands of vulnerable citizens.

Requirements

Working knowledge of: practices of public service organizations
Working knowledge of: economic and basic human behavior
Working knowledge of: financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits
Working knowledge of: eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outlined by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies
Working knowledge of: mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems
Working knowledge of: interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation
Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software
Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone
Demonstrated ability to: interview, gather information, re-evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals
Demonstrated ability to: determine a client’s ownership share in situations
Demonstrated ability to: make mathematical computations
Demonstrated ability to: analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps
Demonstrated ability to: apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form
Demonstrated ability to: use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, reports, and manipulate data
Demonstrated ability to: maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality
Demonstrated ability to: exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions
Demonstrated ability to: establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations
Education and Experience: Same as required in Benefit Program Specialist I with experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefit Programs training OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities

Responsibilities

Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and re-determines their continuing eligibility
Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance
Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods
Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various programs
Monitors cases for changes in recipient circumstances, and implements changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines
Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential sources of income; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability
Refers clients to service worker as the result of overall assessment of situation; prepares reports and maintains client records
Identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals; evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy
Explains programs and rights/responsibilities of applicants and recipients
Explores other possible sources of income
Computes assistance plans
Determines the amount of allowances for special circumstance items such as household equipment
Identifies clearly discernible social problems and makes referrals to Social Workers
Provides applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services as needed
Explains a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services and child care services