Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Winchester, VA

8d•$46,987 - $57,304•Hybrid

About The Position

This job involves performing essential duties related to government assistance programs. The individual will be responsible for registering applicants, conducting interviews, determining eligibility for various financial and social service programs, and maintaining client records. This role requires interpreting policies, monitoring cases, evaluating client circumstances, and ensuring accurate documentation and reporting. The position also involves explaining program details, rights, and responsibilities to applicants and recipients, and making referrals to other community resources or internal services when necessary. Additionally, the role may require making home visits and working during states of emergency to staff shelters.

Requirements

Ability to read and comprehend
Ability to speak and communicate effectively using correct English
Working knowledge of practices of public service organizations
Working knowledge of economic and basic human behavior
Working knowledge of financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits
Working knowledge of eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outlined by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies
Mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems
Knowledge of interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone
Demonstrated ability to interview, gather information, evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals
Demonstrated ability to determine a client’s ownership share in situations
Demonstrated ability to analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps
Demonstrated ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form
Demonstrated ability to use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate
Understanding of reports and ability to manipulate data
Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations
Possession of a valid and appropriate driver’s license
Must complete mandatory state training including Medicaid and SNAP

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English-Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

Completes required State and in-house training on various government programs
Registers applications for assistance, executes system searches and schedules initial interviews
Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and makes eligibility determinations
Engages client in a positive working relationship
Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance, as well as other Social Service programs
Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion, which includes accurately determining eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods within established deadlines
Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various programs
Monitors cases for changes in recipient circumstances and implements changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines
Evaluates employment status of clients and explores potential sources of income
Organizes and maintains accurate client case records, ensures thorough documentation and prepares program reports as applicable
Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, verifies its accuracy, identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals
Explains programs and rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients
Provides applicants or recipients with information about other community resources and makes referrals
Makes referrals to Services unit for cases where abuse or neglect issues arise
Makes home visits as needed
Works assigned shift(s) to set up and staff emergency shelters should Winchester declare a state of emergency
Contributes to a positive work environment