Benefit Programs Specialist I/II (Amelia)

Virginia Department of Social Services • Amelia, VA

1d • $38,898

About The Position

This position serves as a Benefit Programs Specialist I or II, representing entry-level and full-performance levels, respectively, within the occupational group. The role involves determining and re-determining eligibility for various social services benefit programs, including financial assistance, food stamps, and medical assistance. While working within established policies and procedures, the position requires independent judgment, particularly in evaluating social factors influencing eligibility. The Benefit Programs Specialist I is a trainee position under close supervision, progressing to Benefit Programs Specialist II upon successful completion of training and demonstration of independent performance. Benefit Programs Specialist II is distinguished from a higher-level role by performing all assigned eligibility duties independently and making judgments according to agency practices, laws, and policies, while the higher-level role handles more complex cases and serves as a technical resource.

Requirements

• Some knowledge of basic human behavior.
• Some knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas, and averages.
• Some knowledge of interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to interview, gather information, and evaluate situations.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information.
• Demonstrated ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness.
• Demonstrated ability to use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports, and manipulate data.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Benefit Programs Specialist II performs all assigned eligibility duties independently and makes judgments following agency practices and procedures and mandated federal, state, or local laws and policies.
• Benefit Programs Specialist II seeks supervisory help for difficult or unusual situations only.
• Benefit Programs Specialist III performs advanced technical work requiring depth and breadth of knowledge to understand, analyze and act on complex cases.
• Benefit Programs Specialist III serves as a technical resource for others regarding social services’ eligibility programs.

Responsibilities

• Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines their continuing eligibility.
• Explains the nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance.
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion.
• Explains client responsibilities, rights, and program availability.
• Evaluates the consistency and completeness of secured data and substantiates its accuracy where indicated.
• Computes assistance plans.
• Determines the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items.
• Evaluates social factors such as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning.
• Evaluates the employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED