Benefit Programs Specialist I/II
About The Position
Benefit Programs Specialist I is an entry-level role in which employees work under close supervision while receiving training to determine eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs. Upon supervisor recommendation, director approval, and successful completion of the training program, the employee may advance to Benefit Programs Specialist II with a corresponding salary increase under the local department’s compensation plan. Benefit Programs Specialist II is the full-performance level. Employees determine and redetermine individuals’ and families’ eligibility for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs. Work follows established policies, procedures, and guidelines, while some eligibility decisions—particularly those involving social factors—require independent judgment. Supervisory assistance is sought for difficult or unusual situations. The Specialist II role is distinguished from Specialist III, which involves advanced technical work on complex cases and serving as a technical resource to others. The role requires knowledge of basic human behavior, mathematics, and interviewing techniques; skill using a personal computer and associated office and agency software; and the ability to communicate, interview, gather and analyze information, exercise sound judgment and discretion, maintain confidential case records, use automated technology, and work effectively with others. Applicants may be subject to background and other pre-employment checks. The employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency.
Requirements
- High school diploma supplemented by additional training and related work experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Some knowledge of basic human behavior, mathematics for calculating percentages, formulas, and averages, and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
- Skill operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; follow written or oral instructions; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness; maintain confidentiality and professional ethics; and establish effective working relationships, including in stressful situations.
- Willingness to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
- Satisfactory results from any required criminal history, central registry, DMV/driving record, drug screening, fingerprint, agency, employment, reference, education, credit, or other checks.
Nice To Haves
- Training and/or experience in benefits programs, the Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare Program, the Childcare Program, the Virginia Automated Case Management System, or work at a Local Department of Social Services.
- Degree in Human Services or a related field, or a degree in any field with related human services experience.
- Prior experience working with Virginia Benefit Programs offered by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS).
- Work experience with VDSS systems, including VaCMS, MMIS, and SPIDeR.
Responsibilities
- Conduct interviews to determine eligibility for assistance and redetermine continuing eligibility.
- Explain temporary assistance benefit programs and determine reasons for and need for assistance.
- Process applications for financial assistance and diversion, and explain client responsibilities, rights, and available programs.
- Evaluate the consistency and completeness of information and substantiate its accuracy when indicated.
- Compute assistance plans.
- Determine the need for and amount of allowances for special-circumstance items.
- Evaluate social factors, including education, work experience, and levels of social functioning.
- Evaluate clients’ employability and explore potential sources of income.
- Establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports, and manipulate data using automated technology.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
