Benefit Programs Specialist I - Energy Assistance - Part Time

Virginia Department of Social Services • Suffolk, VA

20h • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Benefit Programs Specialist I performs technical duties in determining eligibility of applicants for assistance for the Energy Assistance Program administered by the City Social Services Department. This role involves interviewing applicants, explaining multiple benefit programs, and assisting applicants in completing necessary forms to determine and advise them of their eligibility for assistance. The employee is also responsible for verifying the correctness and completeness of information received from applicants, detecting and reporting cases of fraud, and maintaining various records and files. The position requires considerable independent judgment, discretion, and initiative in completing assignments, as well as significant tact, courtesy, and discretion in frequent contact with program clients and applicants.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Work experience in human services program eligibility or case management work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Willingness to work disaster related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Nice To Haves

• Energy Assistance Program eligibility determination experience in a local VA DSS agency within the last 2 years.
• Benefit Program eligibility determination experience in a local VA DSS agency within the last 2 years.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical duties in determining eligibility of applicants for assistance for the Energy Assistance Program.
• Interview applicants and explain multiple benefit programs.
• Assist applicants in completing necessary forms.
• Determine and advise applicants of eligibility for assistance.
• Verify that information received from applicants is correct and complete.
• Detect cases of fraud and report them.
• Maintain a variety of records and files.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees