Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services • Franklin, VA

2h • Onsite

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 Benefit Programs Specialist II with a corresponding salary increase as indicated by the local department’s compensation plan. Benefit Programs Specialist I is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist II by the latter’s performing all the assigned eligibility duties independently and making judgments following agency practices and procedures and mandated federal, state, or local laws and policies.

Requirements

• 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: 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
• Working knowledge of practices of public service organizations, economic and basic human behavior, financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits
• Working knowledge of eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outline by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies
• Working knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems
• Working knowledge of interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts and medical professionals in person and on the phone
• Demonstrated ability to interview, gather information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps
• Demonstrated ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form
• Demonstrated ability to use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case record, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, reports and manipulate data
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner un sometimes stressful situations

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience in Family
• Use of computer software
• Completion of required Benefit Programs trainings
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees