Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services • Chatham, VA

8d • $32,415

About The Position

Benefit Programs Specialist I is an entry-level position in the occupational group. The employee works under close supervision while training to determine 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 may be redefined as a Benefit Programs Specialist II. The Specialist I role is distinguished from Specialist II, which performs eligibility duties independently and makes judgments in accordance with agency practices and applicable laws and policies.

The position interviews applicants and recipients, determines initial and continuing eligibility, explains assistance programs and client rights and responsibilities, processes applications, evaluates and verifies information, calculates assistance plans and special allowances, and assesses social factors, employability, and potential income sources.

Applicants may be subject to background investigations and pre-employment screenings. A valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record are required. The employee must be willing to work in a community emergency shelter in the event of a disaster or emergency. Applications must be submitted electronically through the specified website; mailed, emailed, faxed, and hand-delivered applications and resumes are not accepted. Interview consideration is based solely on application information, and applications must include complete work history, including periods of unemployment where applicable.

Requirements

• High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Some knowledge of basic human behavior, mathematics used to calculate percentages, formulas, and averages, and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interview, gather information, evaluate situations, and analyze information.
• Ability to understand and carry out written or oral instructions, exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness, and draw 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.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Willingness to work in a community emergency shelter in the event of a disaster or emergency.
• Satisfactory results of required background checks and screenings; applicants may be subject to criminal history, Central Registry, DMV driving record, drug, fingerprint, local agency, employment, reference, education, credit, and other checks.

Nice To Haves

• Case management experience.

Responsibilities

• Interview people to determine eligibility for assistance and reassess their continuing eligibility.
• Explain temporary assistance benefit programs and determine applicants’ 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 gathered information and substantiate its accuracy when indicated.
• Compute assistance plans.
• Determine the need for and amount of allowances for special-circumstance items.
• Evaluate social factors such as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning.
• Evaluate clients’ employability and explore potential sources of income.

What This Job Offers

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