Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Culpeper, VA

10h

About The Position

Benefit Programs Specialist I represents the entry level in the occupational group for employees working under close supervision while being trained 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 shall be redefined to full-performance. General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) – Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines their continuing eligibility; Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance; Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability; Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy; Computes assistance plans; Determines the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items; Evaluates such social factors as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning; and Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.

Requirements

Some knowledge of: basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.
Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.
High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
All applicants are subject to employment verification and reference checks, verification of education, a DMV/driving record check, Central Registry check and criminal history check to evaluate for barrier crimes as described in the Code of Virginia §63.2-1719.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.
Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Employees must also meet local vehicle insurance requirements.
Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website.
Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted.
Please refer to your account for the status of your application and this position.

Responsibilities

Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines their continuing eligibility
Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance
Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion
Explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability
Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy
Computes assistance plans
Determines the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items
Evaluates such social factors as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning
Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.