Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Floyd, VA

13d•$32,415•Hybrid

About The Position

The Floyd County Department of Social Services (DSS) is seeking a Benefit Programs Specialist to join their Benefits Team. The primary role of this position is determining eligibility for federal entitlement programs managed by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). Floyd County DSS is a small, Level One agency that functions with a family team approach. This position is an entry-level role where employees work under close supervision while being trained in determining eligibility for various social services government assistance programs. Upon successful completion of training and recommendation by the supervisor, the employee will be reclassified to Benefit Programs Specialist II with a corresponding salary increase. The minimum starting salary for this position is $32,415.00 annually, with potential for a higher starting salary based on experience.

Requirements

Some knowledge of basic human behavior.
Mathematics skills to calculate percentages, formulas, and averages to solve mathematical problems.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
Skill in operating a personal computer and 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.

Nice To Haves

Considerable knowledge of VDSS Benefit Programs (SNAP, VA Medicaid, TANF, Childcare, Energy Assistance, VIEW) supplemented with VDSS required training to benefit programs.
Working knowledge of the VDSS benefits database known as VaCMS.

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 secured data and substantiates its accuracy where indicated.
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

Health insurance packages with no single portion monthly premium effective after your first month of employment
Family/Personal & Sick Leave balances awarded on your first day of employment
Annual Leave allotted at the end of each month
Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
Participation in the ICMA Retirement Defined Contribution Plan
Fifteen paid holidays
Flexible work schedule (depending on position and employee status)
Telework options (depending on position and employee status)
Life Insurance
Additional “optional” benefit packages are available