Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Radford, VA

4h•$32,415 - $45,000

About The Position

Benefit Programs Specialist I is the entry-level position in the occupational group. Employees work under close supervision while training to determine eligibility for a variety of social services assistance programs. After a supervisor’s recommendation, director approval, and successful completion of the training program, an employee may be redefined as Benefit Programs Specialist II. 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 is conducted under established policies, procedures, and guidelines, with independent judgment required for some eligibility decisions, particularly evaluations of social factors. Employees seek supervisory assistance for difficult or unusual situations. Specialist II employees perform assigned eligibility duties independently and make judgments in accordance with agency practices and applicable federal, state, and local laws and policies. The role includes interviewing applicants, processing applications, explaining program requirements and client rights, evaluating and verifying information, calculating assistance plans and special allowances, assessing social factors and employability, and exploring potential sources of income. Employees use computers and agency software to research and manage case records and data. Employees must be willing to work in a community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. The Virginia Department of Social Services partners with local departments of social services, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits to promote the well-being of children and families statewide.

Requirements

High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
High school diploma supplemented with benefit-program experience and completion of required Benefit Program training, or an equivalent combination of training providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Working knowledge of mathematics, including calculating percentages, formulas, and averages to solve problems.
Working knowledge of interviewing techniques, including data collection and investigation.
Working knowledge of public service organization practices, economics and basic human behavior, and financial assistance programs sufficient to determine or redetermine eligibility using regulations and guidelines.
Experience providing customer service to the public, including interviewing and gathering information.
Skill operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software to research, scan, and retrieve data and create and manipulate reports and case records.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interview, gather information, evaluate situations, and analyze information.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness; and draw logical conclusions.
Ability to use automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports, and manipulate data.
Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality and establish effective working relationships in a positive and tactful manner, including under stressful situations.
Willingness to work in a community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Applicants may be subject to criminal history, central registry, DMV/driving record, pre-employment drug/alcohol, fingerprint, employment/reference, credit (where relevant), and other checks; employment offers are contingent on satisfactory results.

Nice To Haves

Experience evaluating and processing SNAP and Medicaid cases in benefit programs.
Experience with VACMS, MMIS, or other VDSS agency-related software.
Experience working with populations with limited English proficiency.
Experience working effectively and successfully within a team.

Responsibilities

Interview individuals to determine eligibility for assistance and redetermine continuing eligibility.
Explain temporary assistance benefit programs and determine the reasons for and need for assistance.
Process applications for financial assistance and diversion; explain client responsibilities, rights, and program availability.
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 circumstances.
Evaluate social factors, including education, work experience, and levels of social functioning.
Evaluate clients’ employability and explore potential sources of income.
Use computer and agency software to research, scan, retrieve, create, and manipulate data and reports and to establish, process, and maintain case records.
Work in a community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.