Benefit Programs Specialist I
About The Position
Benefit Programs Specialist I is an entry-level position in the occupational group. Employees work under close supervision while receiving training in determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs. Following a supervisor’s recommendation, director approval, and successful completion of the training program, the employee may be redefined as a full-performance Benefit Programs Specialist II with a corresponding salary increase under the local department’s compensation plan. Unlike the Benefit Programs Specialist II, this role does not independently perform all eligibility duties or make judgments under agency practices and applicable federal, state, or local laws and policies. The position conducts eligibility and continuing-eligibility interviews, explains temporary assistance programs and client rights and responsibilities, processes assistance applications, evaluates and verifies information, calculates assistance plans and special allowances, and assesses social factors, employability, and potential income sources. The Virginia Department of Social Services partners with 120 local departments of social services and faith-based and nonprofit organizations to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. The Social Services System includes nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals serving Virginia residents.
Requirements
- High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Some knowledge of basic human behavior, mathematics for calculating percentages, formulas, and averages, and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
- Skill operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; and follow written or oral instructions using common-sense understanding.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions.
- Ability to use automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports, and manipulate data.
- Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality and establish and maintain effective working relationships in a positive and tactful manner, including under stressful situations.
Responsibilities
- Interview applicants to determine eligibility for assistance and redetermine continuing eligibility.
- Explain temporary assistance benefit programs and determine reasons and need for assistance.
- Process applications for financial assistance and diversion, and explain client responsibilities, rights, and available programs.
- Evaluate the consistency and completeness of collected data and substantiate its accuracy when indicated.
- Compute assistance plans.
- Determine the need for and amount of allowances for special-circumstance items.
- Evaluate social factors, including education, work experience, and levels of social functioning.
- Evaluate clients’ employability and explore potential sources of income.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
