Benefit Programs Specialist II-Medicaid Only

Virginia Department of Social Services • Verona, VA

9d • $41,862 - $43,955 • Onsite

About The Position

This technical position is responsible for determining and re-determining eligibility for a variety of public assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medical Assistance, Energy Assistance, and other social services benefit programs. Work is performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines; however, the role requires the use of independent judgment, particularly when assessing social and environmental factors that may influence eligibility.

The employee conducts interviews with individuals and families seeking assistance, gathers and verifies required information, evaluates ongoing eligibility, and provides clear explanations of available benefit programs. The position also involves assessing needs, identifying reasons for requesting assistance, and performing other related duties as assigned. In addition, the employee assists in providing emergency shelter services as mandated.

The Benefit Programs Specialist II reports directly to the Benefit Programs Supervisor or the Assistant Director of Benefits.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of public service organization practices.
• Working knowledge of principles of economics and basic human behavior.
• Working knowledge of the full range of financial assistance programs necessary to determine and re-determine eligibility for benefits.
• Working knowledge of State, Local, and Federal regulations, guidelines, and policies governing social services eligibility.
• Proficiency in applying mathematical concepts including percentages, formulas, and averages to accurately perform eligibility calculations.
• Proficiency in interviewing techniques, including effective data collection, verification, and investigative inquiry.
• Skills in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of individuals including customers, employers, court personnel, and medical professionals, both in person and by telephone.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct interviews, gather and verify information, reassess client circumstances, and make appropriate referrals.
• Demonstrated ability to determine client ownership share in applicable situations and perform accurate mathematical computations.
• Ability to analyze information, identify missing data or inconsistencies from multiple sources, and apply sound judgment and common-sense understanding to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to use various automated systems and technologies to establish and maintain case records.
• Ability to access data related to estates, retirement accounts, real estate, and reports; and manipulate data as needed.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to professional ethics.
• Demonstrated capacity to exercise discretion, tact, resourcefulness, and sound judgment in problem-solving and decision-making.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants, recipients, partner agencies, colleagues, and the public, while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor in sometimes stressful situations.
• Minimum of a high school diploma, supplemented by additional education and experience in benefit programs, or a combination of education and financial or related human services experience.
• Prior work experience in financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/redetermine eligibility for benefits.
• Prior work experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and the completion of required Benefit Programs training.
• Must have a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Driving record must meet agency requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish, bi-lingual, skills with a competency to translate benefit program details.

Responsibilities

• Determining and re-determining eligibility for a variety of public assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medical Assistance, Energy Assistance, and other social services benefit programs.
• Conducting interviews with individuals and families seeking assistance.
• Gathering and verifying required information.
• Evaluating ongoing eligibility.
• Providing clear explanations of available benefit programs.
• Assessing needs and identifying reasons for requesting assistance.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.
• Assisting in providing emergency shelter services as mandated.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED