Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services • Marion, VA

8d • $32,415 - $37,415

About The Position

Benefit Programs Specialist I is an entry-level role in the occupational group. Employees work under close supervision while training to determine eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs. Upon supervisor recommendation, director approval, and successful completion of the training program, the employee is redefined as a full-performance Benefit Programs Specialist II with a corresponding salary increase under the local department’s compensation plan. Benefit Programs Specialist II employees perform eligibility duties independently and make judgments in accordance with agency practices and procedures and applicable federal, state, or local laws and policies.

Requirements

• Some knowledge of basic human behavior.
• Some knowledge of mathematics, including calculating percentages, formulas, and averages to solve mathematical problems.
• Some knowledge of interviewing techniques, including data collection and investigation.
• Skill operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to interview, gather information, and evaluate situations.
• Ability to analyze information and apply common-sense understanding to written or oral instructions.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing 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.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships positively and tactfully, including in stressful situations.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants to determine eligibility for assistance and reassess their continuing eligibility.
• Explain temporary assistance benefit programs and determine the reasons for and need for assistance.
• Process applications for financial assistance and diversion; explain client responsibilities, rights, and available programs.
• Evaluate the consistency and completeness of collected data and, when indicated, verify its accuracy.
• Compute assistance plans.
• Determine the need for and amount of allowances for special-circumstance items.
• Evaluate social factors, including 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