Benefit Programs Specialist II
About The Position
Under general supervision, the Benefit Programs Specialist II performs case management duties to determine applicants’ eligibility for assistance through multiple benefit programs administered by the City Social Services Department. The role involves interviewing applicants, explaining benefit programs, helping applicants complete forms, determining and communicating eligibility, and providing or facilitating access to human services assistance. The specialist verifies that information received from applicants is correct and complete, detects and reports potential fraud, maintains forms and records, and works as part of a team to improve customer service, operations, and problem resolution. The specialist processes applications and determines eligibility and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods; monitors cases for changes in recipients’ circumstances; evaluates employability and potential sources of income; computes assistance plans and allowances for special circumstances; and explains client rights, responsibilities, and program availability. The role also assesses situations and refers clients to service workers, social workers, or other agencies as appropriate, and explains programs including employment, child support, and childcare services. The position may require disaster-related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, during a natural disaster or emergency. Applicants may be subject to background and other pre-employment checks.
Requirements
- High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Ability to interview applicants, obtain information, and redetermine continuing eligibility.
- Ability to explain benefit programs and applicable policies and procedures.
- Ability to process applications and determine eligibility and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods.
- Ability to monitor cases, assess client circumstances, and maintain records and reports.
- Ability to identify possible fraud and assess the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of information.
- Willingness to work disaster-related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, during a natural disaster or emergency.
- Applicants may be subject to criminal history, Central Registry, DMV/driving record, drug screening, fingerprint, employment, reference, education, credit, and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in a Human Service field.
- Strong customer-related interviewing skills.
- Experience within the last two years in a local Virginia DSS agency determining eligibility for SNAP, TANF, and/or Medicaid benefits.
- Experience within the last two years processing cases in a local Virginia DSS agency using VACMS/DMIS.
Responsibilities
- Interview applicants, obtain necessary information, and redetermine continuing eligibility.
- Explain benefit programs and assess applicants’ reasons and needs for assistance.
- Assist applicants with forms and process applications for financial assistance and diversion.
- Determine eligibility and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods.
- Interpret policies and procedures applicable to various programs.
- Monitor cases for changes in recipient circumstances and implement benefit changes within program 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.
- Compute assistance plans and determine allowances for special-circumstance items such as household equipment.
- Identify clearly discernible social problems and refer clients to social workers.
- Provide information about other agencies where applicants or recipients may obtain services.
- Explain programs including employment services, child support services, and childcare services.
- Participate as a team member to improve customer service, operations, and problem resolution.
- Perform disaster-related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, when required during a natural disaster or emergency.
Benefits
- Sign-on bonus of $2,500–$4,000, depending on education and experience.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
