Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services • King William, VA

7d • $36,000 - $69,301 • Hybrid

About The Position

King William County Department of Social Services seeks an energetic and versatile team player, committed to working towards the best outcomes possible for our families in the community to join our agency in a Family Services Specialist position. King William County, Virginia offers the best of both worlds: the calm, scenic beauty of rural life with easy access to urban amenities. With a growing population of roughly 19,200 people, the area has a strong sense of community without the congestion of a big city. Nestled in the Middle Peninsula, King William lies just 30 miles northeast of Richmond, making for a manageable commute or day‐trip to the capital for work, culture, or dining. The landscape is lush and gently rolling, with rivers, farmland, and ample outdoor space — ideal if you appreciate nature, quiet roads, and neighbors who know your name. Housing is more affordable than many urban and suburban areas, the pace of life is peaceful, but you’re still close enough to schools, shops, healthcare, and the vibrant hubs of VA. If you’re looking for work where you can make a difference — and a place where balance matters — King William is a beautiful place to plant roots! As an agency, we believe in the power of the team, exercising creativity and commitment in meeting the needs of our clients and community, and growing our agency and ourselves. Empathy and Work-Life harmony is an agency core value. At King William DSS, we are looking for professionals who want more than a job— a career where empathy, character, and dedication are just as important as education and experience. If you are ready to join a mission-driven team that values flexibility, professional growth, and making a difference every single day, we want to hear from you. 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 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 and mandated federal, state, or local laws and policies. 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 and families for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and for other social services’ benefit programs. 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. The Benefit Programs Specialist II is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist III by the latter’s performing advanced technical work requiring depth and breadth of knowledge to understand, analyze and act on complex cases. Also, the Benefit Programs Specialist III serves as a technical resource for others regarding social services’ eligibility programs. This position is ideal for candidates who are dedicated, empathetic, and of high character—individuals who find fulfillment in making a lasting impact on the lives of children, families, and vulnerable adults in our community.

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; 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
• Employee must be willing to work in community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency, or work during unscheduled office closures, including weekends and holidays as needed
• Employee must be able to telework if necessary

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in the Department of Social Services setting with Benefit Program processing experience

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

Benefits

• Flexible Work Hours – designed to promote work-life balance.
• Hybrid Telework Options
• Pay Incentives – available for strong performance and professional growth.
• Professional Development – ongoing training and advancement opportunities.
• Supportive Team Environment – join a department that values character, collaboration, and compassion.

What This Job Offers

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