Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Franklin, VA

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

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;
Eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outline by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies;
Mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems;
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 with broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts and medical professionals in person and on the phone;
Interview, gather information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps;
Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form;
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;
Maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality;
Exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions;
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 under sometimes stressful situations.

Nice To Haves

Use of computer software and completion of required Benefit Programs trainings OR 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; and
Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.