Benefit Programs Specialist II -Adult Benefits (Albemarle)

State of Virginia•Albemarle County, VA

41d•$57,793 - $63,877•Remote

About The Position

Interviews applicants/recipients, adapting techniques to meet the needs/abilities of the client; Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods; processes applications for benefit programs such as, but not limited to SNAP, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Energy, General Relief, Auxiliary Grants, Refugee Cash and/or Medical Assistance; Compiles and analyzes information and policy to determine and redetermine ongoing eligibility for financial, medical and or other governmental programs; computes income and resource eligibility timely, accurately and completely based on complex state and federal guidelines; ensures clients receive maximum eligible benefits; Explains available benefit programs, rights and responsibilities, other agency services and community resources identifies social problems and makes referrals to social workers as needed; Researches, interprets, and applies mandated programmatic policy and procedures based on state and federal guidelines in the administration of a benefits caseload which may be generic or specialized; Ensures integrity in benefits delivery and caseload management by maintaining records according to established guidelines and identifies errors/potential fraud and makes appropriate referrals; evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy; Responds to appeal requests, prepares appeal summaries and all supporting documentation, and participates in appeal hearings; Attends and participates in unit and agency meetings by sharing knowledge, experiences, and information; participates in agency workgroups and/or teams; attends and participates in ongoing training, learning, and growth opportunities; Recommends changes in internal policy and procedures based on experience and knowledge; Performs related tasks as required.

Requirements

General knowledge of interviewing and time management skills and principles and practices of public social service organizations
Some knowledge of current social, economic and health problems and of human behavior and social functioning
Knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems
Knowledge of interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
Ability to analyze information and policy and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps
Ability to access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate
Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality
Ability to work effectively within and around teams
Ability to operate a computer and software
High level of attention to detail
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, management and the public consistent with the agency's Quality Caseload Standards
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a team environment
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions
Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, orally and in writing
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports
Ability to organize/manage own work schedule
Ability to plan, manage, coordinate, and prioritize multiple and varied activities and projects
High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience, or equivalent combination of training and experience

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree
Direct eligibility experience
Experience working effectively and successfully within a team
Experience working with populations with limited English proficiency

Responsibilities

Interviews applicants/recipients, adapting techniques to meet the needs/abilities of the client
Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods
Processes applications for benefit programs such as, but not limited to SNAP, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Energy, General Relief, Auxiliary Grants, Refugee Cash and/or Medical Assistance
Compiles and analyzes information and policy to determine and redetermine ongoing eligibility for financial, medical and or other governmental programs
Computes income and resource eligibility timely, accurately and completely based on complex state and federal guidelines
Ensures clients receive maximum eligible benefits
Explains available benefit programs, rights and responsibilities, other agency services and community resources identifies social problems and makes referrals to social workers as needed
Researches, interprets, and applies mandated programmatic policy and procedures based on state and federal guidelines in the administration of a benefits caseload which may be generic or specialized
Ensures integrity in benefits delivery and caseload management by maintaining records according to established guidelines and identifies errors/potential fraud and makes appropriate referrals
Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy
Responds to appeal requests, prepares appeal summaries and all supporting documentation, and participates in appeal hearings
Attends and participates in unit and agency meetings by sharing knowledge, experiences, and information
Participates in agency workgroups and/or teams
Attends and participates in ongoing training, learning, and growth opportunities
Recommends changes in internal policy and procedures based on experience and knowledge
Performs related tasks as required