Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Harrisonburg, VA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District administers a wide variety of programs and services that assist children, youth, adults, and families, individuals with disabilities, and older adults with basic supports and medical needs as well as services to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. All services are delivered under state and federal mandates or under local initiatives that seek to improve family stability, help families achieve safe and affordable housing, and increase self-sufficiency. Our Vision is better health, safety, and well-being for all. Our mission is people helping people triumph over poverty, abuse, and neglect to shape futures for themselves, their families and communities. This is an entry-level position where employees work under close supervision while being trained in determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs.

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.
Some knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems.
Some knowledge of 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.
Demonstrated ability to interview, gather information, and evaluate situations.
Demonstrated ability to analyze information.
Demonstrated ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions.
Demonstrated ability to use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data.
Demonstrated ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.
Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, plan, organize, and prioritize tasks.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.
Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and apply complex federal, state law and regulations.
Possess a valid driver’s license.
Successful candidate will undergo a criminal history, CPS, and DMV check.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent supplemented with additional training and related work experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Working knowledge of financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits.
Prefer completion of required Benefit Programs training and experience with agency related software.
Prefer bilingual English/Spanish skills.
Considerable knowledge and use of automated eligibility systems, particularly the Virginia Case Management System (VACMS).
Employee must be willing to work in community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Responsibilities

Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines their continuing eligibility.
Explains the 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 the 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 social factors such as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning.
Evaluates the employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.

Benefits

Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
Paid Time Off (accumulate 12 hours per month)
Annual Paid Holidays (observe 12 per year)
Group Health Plan
Group Life Insurance
Group Dental Insurance
Group Vision Insurance
Wellness Memberships
Direct Deposit
AFLAC
Exceptional Performance Recognition
Virginia Credit Union Membership
Tele-working available upon successful completion of training and probation (up to 3 days per week)