Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Winchester, VA

1d•$46,987 - $57,304

About The Position

The Benefit Programs Specialist I completes required State and in-house training on government programs and processes applications for financial assistance and diversion. The position registers applications, performs system searches, schedules and conducts interviews, gathers information, determines eligibility and benefit levels, and explains program rules, rights, and responsibilities to applicants and recipients. It monitors changes in recipients’ circumstances and employment status, maintains accurate case records, verifies information, identifies possible fraud, prepares reports, and makes referrals to other programs and community resources. Home visits may be needed. The specialist may also work assigned shifts to set up and staff emergency shelters if Winchester declares a state of emergency, and contributes to a positive work environment. The role requires a high school diploma supplemented by additional training and related work experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A valid and appropriate driver’s license is required, along with completion of mandatory state training, including Medicaid and SNAP training. Work takes place indoors and outdoors under variable weather conditions, involves considerable face-to-face contact with the public, and requires some travel. The physical demands include light effort and handling materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Possession of a valid and appropriate driver’s license.
Complete mandatory State training, including Medicaid and SNAP training; additional program training may be required.
Ability to read and comprehend, and to speak and communicate effectively using correct English.
Working knowledge of public service organization practices, economics and basic human behavior, financial assistance programs, applicable eligibility requirements and regulations, mathematics, and interviewing techniques.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing with a broad range of people, including customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals, in person and by phone.
Ability to interview clients, collect and evaluate information, make referrals, identify missing information and gaps, and determine ownership shares when relevant.
Ability to use automated technology to maintain case records and access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate; understand reports and manipulate data.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional ethics, exercise sound judgment and discretion, solve problems, draw logical conclusions, and maintain effective working relationships in sometimes stressful situations.
Ability to perform light physical activities, including walking, talking, stooping, kneeling, lifting, bending, reaching, and gripping, and to handle lightweight materials up to 25 pounds.
Vision meeting the minimum requirements set by the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors under variable weather conditions and undertake some travel.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English-Spanish skills are preferred.

Responsibilities

Complete required State and in-house training on government programs.
Register assistance applications, conduct system searches, and schedule initial interviews.
Interview applicants, gather necessary information, and determine eligibility for assistance.
Build positive working relationships with clients and explain benefit programs and other Social Service programs.
Process financial assistance and diversion applications, accurately determine eligibility and benefit levels, and meet established deadlines.
Interpret policies and procedures for applicable programs.
Monitor changes in recipients’ circumstances and make appropriate benefit-level changes within program guidelines.
Evaluate clients’ employment status and explore potential sources of income.
Organize and maintain accurate client case records, ensure thorough documentation, and prepare program reports as applicable.
Evaluate information for consistency and completeness, verify its accuracy, identify possible fraud, and make appropriate referrals.
Explain programs and the rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients.
Provide information about community resources and make referrals to those resources.
Refer cases to the Services unit when abuse or neglect issues arise.
Make home visits as needed.
Work assigned shifts to set up and staff emergency shelters if Winchester declares a state of emergency.
Contribute to a positive work environment.