Benefit Programs Specialist I - Part Time

Virginia Department of Social Services • Suffolk, VA

20h • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Benefit Programs Specialist I performs case management duties to determine eligibility of applicants for assistance through multiple benefit programs administered by the City Social Services Department. This role involves interviewing applicants, explaining various benefit programs, assisting with form completion, determining and advising on eligibility, and facilitating access to human services. The specialist is responsible for verifying information, detecting and reporting fraud, maintaining records, and collaborating as a team member to enhance customer service and operations.

Requirements

• Experience involving social service program work including interviewing and counseling
• Assisting applicants in completing forms, determining and advising applicants of eligibility for assistance, and providing or facilitating access to human services assistance
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Verifies information received from applicants is correct and complete
• Detects and reports cases of fraud
• Maintains a variety of forms and records
• Participates as a team member to improve customer service, operations, and resolution of problems
• High School Diploma or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job
• Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen
• The investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification, and references, verification of education, credit checks relevant to employment and other checks requested by the hiring authority
• Employee must be willing to work disaster related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, in the event of a natural disaster or emergency

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in the Human Service field
• Strong customer-related interviewing skills
• Experience in a local Virginia DSS agency with, SNAP, TANF, and/or Medicaid, Benefits Program eligibility determination work within the last 2 years
• Experience processing cases in a local Virginia DSS agency with VACMS/DMIS within the last 2 years

Responsibilities

• Performs case management duties to determine eligibility of applicants for assistance through multiple benefit programs administered by the City Social Services Department
• Interviews applicants and explains multiple benefit programs
• Assists applicants in completing forms
• Determines and advises applicants of eligibility for assistance
• Provides or facilitates access to human services assistance
• Verifies information received from applicants is correct and complete
• Detects and reports cases of fraud
• Maintains a variety of forms and records
• Participates as a team member to improve customer service, operations, and resolution of problems

What This Job Offers

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