Benefit Programs Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Gate City, VA

4d • $32,415

About The Position

This role involves interviewing individuals to assess their needs for assistance, determining eligibility for various benefit programs, and managing cases. The specialist will interpret policies, monitor changes in recipient circumstances, and evaluate employability. They will also identify potential fraud, maintain client records, and provide information about available social services and other agencies.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of practices of public service organizations.
• Working knowledge of economic and basic human behavior.
• Working knowledge of financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits.
• Working knowledge of eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outlined by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies.
• Working knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems.
• Working knowledge of 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 a broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone.
• Demonstrated ability to interview, gather information, re-evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals.
• Demonstrated ability to determine a client’s ownership share in situations.
• Demonstrated ability to make mathematical computations.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps.
• Demonstrated ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Demonstrated ability to use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, reports, and manipulate data.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions.
• Demonstrated ability to 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.
• Experience in benefit programs.
• Experience with computer software and hardware.
• Completion of required Benefit Programs training.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Interview persons for assistance, obtain necessary information, and re-determine their continuing eligibility.
• Explain benefit programs and determine reasons and need for assistance.
• Process applications for financial assistance and diversion, determining eligibility and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods.
• Interpret policies and procedures applicable to the various programs.
• Monitor cases for changes in recipient circumstances and implement changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines.
• Evaluate employability status of clients and explore potential sources of income.
• Explain client responsibilities, rights, and program availability.
• Refer clients to a service worker as the result of an overall assessment of the situation.
• Prepare reports and maintain client records.
• Identify possible fraud and make appropriate referrals.
• Evaluate consistency and completeness of data secured and, where indicated, substantiate its accuracy.
• Explain programs and rights/responsibilities of applicants and recipients.
• Explore other possible sources of income.
• Compute assistance plans.
• Determine the amount of allowances for special circumstance items such as household equipment.
• Identify clearly discernible social problems and make referrals to Social Workers.
• Provide applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services as needed.
• Explain a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services, and child care services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed