Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Orange, VA

3d•$32,415 - $54,500

About The Position

Benefit Programs Specialist I is an entry-level role in which employees work under close supervision while training to determine eligibility for a range of social services and government assistance programs. Upon supervisor recommendation, director approval, and successful completion of the training program, an employee may be redefined as a full-performance Benefit Programs Specialist II, with a corresponding salary increase under the local department’s compensation plan. Benefit Programs Specialist II employees independently perform eligibility duties and make judgments in accordance with agency practices and procedures and applicable federal, state, and local laws and policies. The full-performance role determines and redetermines 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 role is distinguished from Benefit Programs Specialist III, which involves advanced technical work on complex cases and serving as a technical resource to others. The position interviews applicants and recipients, processes assistance applications, evaluates and verifies information, computes assistance plans and special-circumstance allowances, evaluates social factors and employability, and explores potential sources of income. It requires customer-service and interviewing skills, working knowledge of benefit programs and relevant regulations, computer proficiency, sound judgment, effective communication, and the ability to maintain confidential case records and positive working relationships. Applicants are subject to background and other required checks. A valid driver's license and driving record must be submitted before the start date if the applicant is being considered for employment. The employee must be willing to work in a community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency and to assist Family Services with care of high-acuity foster care youth.

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 Programs training, or an equivalent combination of training providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Working knowledge of mathematics, including calculating percentages, formulas, and averages.
Working knowledge of interviewing techniques, including data collection and investigation.
Working knowledge of public service organization practices, economics, basic human behavior, and financial assistance programs sufficient to determine or redetermine benefit 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, retrieve data, and create and manipulate reports and case records.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; follow written and oral instructions; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness; use automated technology; maintain confidentiality and professional ethics; and establish effective working relationships, including under stressful conditions.
Successful completion of required Benefit Programs training for the stated minimum qualification pathway.
Subject to criminal history, Central Registry, DMV/driving record, and other required background checks and screenings; employment offers are contingent on satisfactory results.
If considered for employment, submit a driving record and valid driver's license before the actual start date.
Willingness to work in a community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency.
Willingness to assist Family Services with care of high-acuity foster care youth.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Conduct interviews to determine eligibility for assistance and redetermine continuing eligibility.
Explain temporary assistance programs and determine reasons and need for assistance.
Process applications for financial assistance and diversion; 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, process, and maintain case records; research, scan, retrieve, and manipulate data and create reports using computer and agency software.
Work in the community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency when required.
Assist Family Services with care of high-acuity foster care youth.