Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services•New Kent, VA

9h•$44,763 - $55,000

About The Position

This position offers the opportunity to join New Kent Social Services as a Benefit Programs Specialist. The role involves determining eligibility for various social services government assistance programs. A Benefit Programs Specialist I is an entry-level position where employees receive training under close supervision. Upon successful completion of training and supervisor recommendation, the employee is redefined to a full-performance Benefit Programs Specialist II with a salary increase. The Benefit Programs Specialist II performs all eligibility duties independently, applying agency practices, procedures, and mandated laws. The Benefit Programs Specialist II role involves determining and re-determining eligibility for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs, often requiring independent judgment, especially concerning social factors influencing eligibility. Employees at this level seek supervisory help only for difficult or unusual situations.

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.
Some knowledge of basic human behavior.
Knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems.
Knowledge of 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.
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 furnished in written or oral form.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions.
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 under sometimes stressful situations.
Working knowledge of practices of public service organizations.
Working knowledge of economic and basic human behavior.
Working knowledge of financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits.
Working knowledge of eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outlined by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies.
Demonstrated ability to 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.
Demonstrated ability to interview, gather information, re-evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals.
Demonstrated ability to determine a client’s ownership share in situations.
Demonstrated ability to make mathematical computations.
Demonstrated ability to analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps.
Demonstrated ability to 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.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working in a Virginia Local Department of Social Services
Bi-lingual
Experience using VDSS agency software
Prior experience determining eligibility for the VDSS Energy Assistance Programs and the PIPP program.

Responsibilities

Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines their continuing eligibility.
Explains 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 consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy.
Computes assistance plans.
Determines the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items.
Evaluates such social factors as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning.
Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.
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.
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.
Explains programs and rights/responsibilities of applicants and recipients.
Explores other possible sources of income.
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.
Explains a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services and child care services.

Benefits

Criminal History Background search
Central Registry search
DMV/driving record check
Pre-employment drug screen
Fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI)
Local agency checks
Employment verification and references
Verification of education (relevant to employment)
Credit checks (relevant to employment)
Willingness to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.