Benefit Programs Specialist I/II (Gloucester)

Virginia Department of Social Services•Gloucester, VA

16h

About The Position

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. Upon recommendation by the supervisor, approval by the director, and successful completion of the training program, the employee shall be redefined to full-performance Benefit Programs Specialist II with a corresponding salary increase as indicated by the local department’s compensation plan. 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 benefit programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 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. 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 as well as mandated federal, state, or local laws and policies.

Requirements

Experience working in an office environment providing customer service to the general public.
Some knowledge of basic human behavior.
Ability to perform mathematic calculations to include percentages, formulas and averages.
Conduct interviews for the purpose of gathering information, evaluating situations, and analyzing information.
Skilled in operating a personal computer.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
Exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions.
Utilize various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data.
Maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful conditions.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of financial assistance programs sufficient to determine or re-determine eligibility for benefits
Preferred completion of required Virginia Benefit Programs training.
Experience with related agency software is preferred.
Ability to interpret and apply complex policy.
Demonstrated ability to work successfully independently and as a team member, manage multiple tasks and prioritize workloads.

Responsibilities

Process applications for entitlement programs.
Determine ongoing eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods.
Interpret policies and procedures applicable to Medicaid and SNAP.
Monitor cases for changes in recipient circumstances and implement changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines.
Explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability.
Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured and, where indicated, substantiates its accuracy.
Compute assistance plans.
Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.
Identify clearly discernible social programs and refer clients to Services Intake.
Provide individuals with information about other community agencies that can provide additional services and resources.
Shelter duty – When activated by the County Administrator, must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter.