Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Front Royal, VA

12h

About The Position

VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.

Requirements

• Knowledge- Some knowledge of: basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and 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; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; 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; use 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; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.
• 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.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees