Benefit Programs Specialist I-II

Virginia Department of Social Services

8d•$41,326 - $55,790•Onsite

About The Position

Benefit Programs Specialist I-II - Adult Eligibility Salary $41,325.57–$55,789.52; Commensurate with relevant DSS experience, qualifications, and training. Title Description 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. Benefit Programs Specialist I is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist II by the latter’s performing all the assigned eligibility duties independently and making judgments following agency practices and procedures and mandated federal, state, or 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.

Requirements

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.
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
Interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation
Operating a personal computer with associated software
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone
Interview, gather information, re-evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals
Determine a client’s ownership share in situations
Make mathematical computations
Analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps
Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form
Use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, reports, and manipulate data
Maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality
Exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations
Valid Virginia driver’s license with driving record that meets agency standards
All applicants are subject to a DMV/driving record check and CPS and Criminal History Search. The investigation may include fingerprint check (State Police, FBI); employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

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 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
Explains programs and rights/responsibilities of applicants and recipients
Explores other possible sources of income
Computes assistance plans
Determines the amount of allowances for special circumstance items such as household equipment
Identifies clearly discernible social problems and makes referrals to Social Workers
Provides applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services as needed