Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Washington, VA

2h•$39,500•Hybrid

About The Position

Rappahannock County Department of Social Services is seeking an organized, detail-oriented individual who is eager to learn and build a career in the human services field and join our team as a Benefit Programs Specialist I. The successful candidate will be comfortable navigating technology, managing multiple priorities, and providing excellent customer service in a challenging and meaningful role that helps individuals and families access essential benefits and services. Rappahannock County is a rural county in the northern region of Virginia with a population of about 7,400. The agency office is in the town of Washington, Virginia, approximately 120 miles northwest of Richmond and 65 miles southwest of Washington, DC. The town is surrounded by the beautiful Blueridge Mountains and rolling farmlands. As an agency, we believe in the power of the team, exercising creativity and commitment in meeting the needs of our clients and community, and growing our agency and ourselves. A 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 successful completion of required trainings and the demonstration of acceptable level of knowledge and proficiency in area of assignment, a Benefit Programs Specialist I is eligible for an administrative promotion to Benefit Programs Specialist II and may be approved for a hybrid telework schedule of up to 2 days remote/3 days on-site.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a local department of social services.
Experience in working in electronic systems for purposes of researching and/or processing information to produce a specific output.
Demonstrated success in participating in an on-line learning system.
Work/volunteer experience with a community-based human services organization.

Responsibilities

Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and re-determines their continuing eligibility
Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance
Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods
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 employability status of clients and explores potential sources of Income
Explains client responsibilities, rights, and program availability
Refers clients to service worker as needed as the result of overall assessment of situation
Prepares reports and maintains client records
Identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals
Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured and where indicated, substantiates its accuracy
Explores other possible sources of income
Provides applicants or clients with information about other agencies where they may obtain services as needed
Explains a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services, and childcare services.
Maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.