Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Amelia, VA

10d

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. Upon recommendation by the supervisor, approval by the director, and successful completion of the training program, the employee will be redefined as a full-performance Benefit Programs Specialist II, with a corresponding salary increase under the local department’s compensation plan. The role involves interviewing applicants and recipients, determining initial and ongoing eligibility, processing financial assistance applications, evaluating and verifying information, calculating assistance plans and special circumstance allowances, and assessing clients’ social factors, employability, and potential sources of income. Applicants are subject to background checks and potentially pre-employment drug screening. The employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or other emergency. Applicants must submit an application, resume, and cover letter electronically through the website; mailed, emailed, faxed, and hand-delivered submissions will not be accepted.

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 apply common-sense understanding to 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 in stressful situations.
Applicants are subject to a DMV driving record check, Child Abuse Central Registry check, criminal history search, and/or pre-employment drug screening; background investigation may include fingerprint checks, employment and reference verification, education verification, relevant credit checks, and other background information requested by the hiring authority.
Must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.
Application, resume, and cover letter are required; applications must be submitted electronically through the website.

Responsibilities

Interview people to determine eligibility for assistance and redetermine continuing eligibility.
Explain temporary assistance benefit programs and determine reasons for 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 information and, when indicated, substantiate its accuracy.
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.
Establish and maintain case records; access and retrieve data; create reports; and manipulate data using automated technology.
Maintain confidentiality and effective working relationships, including under stressful situations.