Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services • Courtland, VA

3d • $32,415

About The Position

Benefit Programs Specialist I is an entry-level role in which employees work under close supervision while training to determine eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs. After successful completion of the training program and approval by the supervisor and director, the employee may be redefined as a full-performance Benefit Programs Specialist II, with a corresponding salary increase under the local department’s compensation plan. Unlike a Specialist II, who performs eligibility duties independently and makes judgments according to agency practices and applicable laws and policies, a Specialist I works under supervision while learning these duties.

Requirements

• 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.
• Some knowledge of basic human behavior.
• Some knowledge of mathematics for calculating percentages, formulas, and averages to solve mathematical problems.
• Some knowledge of interviewing techniques, including data collection and investigation.
• Skill in 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 under stressful situations.

Responsibilities

• Interview people 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, and explain client responsibilities, rights, and available programs.
• Evaluate the consistency and completeness of collected data and substantiate its accuracy when indicated.
• Compute assistance plans.
• Determine the need for and amount of allowances for special-circumstance items.
• Evaluate social factors such as 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