Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Warrenton, VA

About The Position

BENEFIT PROGRAMS SPECIALIST I GRADE 29 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK: The Benefit Programs Specialist I represents the entry level in the occupational group for employees working under close supervision while being trained in determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs. Upon recommendation by the supervisor, approval by the director, and successful completion of the training program, the employee shall be redefined to full-performance Benefit Programs Specialist II with a corresponding salary increase as indicated by the completion of the Fauquier County Career Ladder for advancement in this occupational group. The BPS I position differs from the BPS II by the latter’s performing all the latter’s performing all the assigned eligibility duties independently and making judgments following agency practices and procedures and mandated federal, state, and local laws and policies. Benefit Programs Specialist II represents the full performance level in the Benefit Programs Specialist occupational group. Employees’ responsibilities are related to the determination and re-determination of eligibility of individuals and families for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and for other social services’ benefit programs. The work is performed within established policies, procedures and guidelines, but certain aspects of eligibility determination require independent judgment, especially as related to evaluation of social factors influencing eligibility. Employees seek supervisory help for difficult or unusual situations only. The Benefit Programs Specialist II is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist III by the latter’s performing advanced technical work requiring depth and breadth of knowledge to understand, analyze and act on complex cases. Also, the Benefit Programs Specialist III serves as a technical resource for others regarding social services’ eligibility programs.

Requirements

Some knowledge of basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas, and averages; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office equipment.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; gather information; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; maintain confidentiality; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.
High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Responsibilities

Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and redetermines their continuing eligibility
Explains the nature of temporary assistance 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
Explains client responsibilities, rights, and reporting responsibilities as well as program availability
Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured and, where indicated, substantiates its accuracy
Computes assistance plans
Determines the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items
Evaluates such social factors as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning
Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income
Maintains records, prepares reports, and submits summaries and information as required
Serves as staff at disaster shelters
Performs other related duties as assigned