Benefit Programs Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Milford, VA

About The Position

The Benefit Programs Specialist II is the full-performance level in the Benefit Programs Specialist occupational group. The role determines and re-determines eligibility for individuals and families seeking financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs. Work follows established policies, procedures, and guidelines, while requiring independent judgment in some eligibility determinations, particularly when evaluating social factors. Supervisory assistance is sought for difficult or unusual situations. Unlike the Benefit Programs Specialist III, this position does not perform advanced technical work on complex cases or serve as a technical resource for others. The specialist interviews applicants and recipients, gathers and evaluates information, processes applications, calculates benefit levels, monitors changes in circumstances, and maintains case records. The role also explains programs and client rights and responsibilities, assesses employability and other potential income sources, identifies possible fraud or social problems, and makes appropriate referrals to social workers, service workers, and other agencies. Candidates need working knowledge of public service organizations, basic economic and human behavior concepts, financial assistance and social service eligibility rules, mathematics, and interviewing techniques. They must be able to communicate effectively, assess information, make referrals and mathematical computations, use computer and agency software, maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and build effective working relationships. Education and experience are described as the same as required for Benefit Program Specialist I, with experience in benefit programs and computer software and hardware, completion of required Benefit Programs training, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Requirements

Working knowledge of practices of public service organizations, basic economics, and human behavior.
Working knowledge of financial assistance programs sufficient to determine and re-determine benefit eligibility.
Working knowledge of social service assistance eligibility requirements under State, Local, and Federal guidelines, regulations, and policies.
Working knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas, and averages and solve mathematical problems.
Working knowledge of interviewing techniques, including data collection and investigation.
Skill operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a broad range of people, including customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals, in person and by phone.
Ability to interview, gather information, reevaluate client situations, and make referrals.
Ability to determine a client’s ownership share in applicable situations and make mathematical computations.
Ability to analyze information from various sources and identify missing information and gaps.
Ability to apply common-sense understanding to written or oral instructions.
Ability to use automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, generate reports, and manipulate data.
Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants, recipients, public and private agencies, associates, and the public, including in stressful situations.
Experience in benefit programs and use of computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefit Programs training, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Education and experience requirements are the same as those required for Benefit Program Specialist I; the specific education requirements are not provided in this posting.

Responsibilities

Interview people seeking assistance, obtain necessary information, and re-determine continuing eligibility.
Explain benefit programs and determine reasons for and needs related to assistance.
Process applications for financial assistance and diversion; determine 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 make changes to benefit levels within guidelines.
Evaluate clients’ employability status and explore potential sources of income.
Explain client responsibilities, rights, and program availability.
Refer clients to service workers based on an overall assessment of their situations.
Prepare reports and maintain client records.
Identify possible fraud and make appropriate referrals.
Evaluate the consistency and completeness of collected data and substantiate its accuracy when indicated.
Explain applicants’ and recipients’ program rights and responsibilities.
Compute assistance plans and determine allowances for special-circumstance items such as household equipment.
Identify discernible social problems and refer clients to social workers.
Provide information about other agencies that may offer needed services.
Explain programs including employment services, child support services, and child care services.