Benefit Programs Specialist I - Energy Assistance - Part Time

Virginia Department of Social Services•Suffolk, VA

9h•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs technical duties in determining eligibility of applicants for assistance for the Energy Assistance Program administered by the City Social Services Department. Work involves interviewing applicants and explaining multiple benefit programs; assisting applicants in completing necessary forms; determining and advising applicants of eligibility for assistance. Employee is also responsible for verifying that information received from applicants is correct and complete, detecting cases of fraud and reporting them, maintaining a variety of records and files. Employee must exercise considerable independent judgement, discretion and initiative in completing assignments. Employee must also exercise considerable tact, courtesy, and discretion in frequent contact with program clients and applicants.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent, work experience in human services program eligibility or case management work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.
The investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification, and references, verification of education, credit checks relevant to employment and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

Nice To Haves

Energy Assistance Program eligibility determination experience in a local VA DSS agency within the last 2 years.
Benefit Program eligibility determination experience in a local VA DSS agency within the last 2 years.

Responsibilities

Performs technical duties in determining eligibility of applicants for assistance for the Energy Assistance Program.
Interviews applicants and explains multiple benefit programs.
Assists applicants in completing necessary forms.
Determines and advises applicants of eligibility for assistance.
Verifies that information received from applicants is correct and complete.
Detects cases of fraud and reports them.
Maintains a variety of records and files.
Exercises considerable independent judgement, discretion and initiative in completing assignments.
Exercises considerable tact, courtesy, and discretion in frequent contact with program clients and applicants.
Be willing to work disaster related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.