Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Washington, VA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Rappahannock Department of Social Services seeks an energetic and versatile
team player committed to working for best possible outcomes for clients and
community to join our agency in a Benefit Programs Specialist I or Benefit
Programs Specialist II position.

Rappahannock County is a rural county in the northern region of Virginia with a
population of about 7,400. The agency office is in the town of Washington,
Virginia, approximately 120 miles northwest of Richmond and 65 miles southwest
of Washington, DC.  The town is surrounded by the beautiful Blueridge Mountains
and rolling farmlands.

As an agency, we believe in the power of the team, exercising creativity and
commitment in meeting the needs of our clients and community, and growing our
agency and ourselves. Work-Life harmony is an agency core value, and the
agency’s caseload per worker compares favorably with other local departments of
social services. After 90 days of employment and demonstration of an acceptable
level of program knowledge and proficiency in areas of assignment, a Benefit
Programs Specialist is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule of up to 2 days
remote/3 days on-site.  Additional remote days for virtual training and/or other
events are determined on a case-by-case basis. 

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 successful completion of required trainings and the
demonstration of acceptable level of knowledge and proficiency in area of
assignment, a Benefit Programs Specialist I is eligible for an administrative
promotion to Benefit Programs Specialist II.

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 assistance, 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.

Requirements

• Benefit Programs Specialist I
• 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.
• Some knowledge of basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
• Benefit Programs Specialist II
• High school diploma supplemented with experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefits Program training; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Working knowledge of practices of public service organizations; economic and basic human behavior; financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits; eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outlined by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and 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 a broad spectrum of individuals to include customers, employers, court personnel, and medical professionals in person, virtual settings, email, and over the phone.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a local department of social services.
• Experience in processing public assistance applications using VACMS and other related software.

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 needed 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
• Explores other possible sources of income
• Provides applicants or clients with information about other agencies where they may obtain services as needed
• Explains a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services, and childcare services.
• Maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees