Benefit Programs Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Waynesboro, VA

1d

About The Position

This is a technical position responsible for determining and re-determining individuals’ and families’ eligibility for food, financial assistance, medical assistance, and other social service benefit programs. Work is performed within established policies, procedures, and guidelines, with independent judgment required for some eligibility decisions, particularly when evaluating social factors that influence eligibility. The position interviews applicants, gathers information, assesses ongoing eligibility, explains programs, and identifies reasons and needs for assistance. It also assists with emergency shelter as mandated or required and performs other assigned duties. The position reports directly to the Benefit Programs Supervisor.

Applicants must provide an electronic application and resume through the specified website; applications and resumes must include complete work history. Applicants may be subject to background and other employment-related checks, and offers are contingent on satisfactory results. Employees must hold a valid Virginia driver’s license and meet agency driving-record requirements. The employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency.

Requirements

• At least a high school diploma supplemented with additional education and related work experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Prior work experience in financial assistance programs sufficient to determine or re-determine eligibility for benefits.
• Prior work experience in benefit programs and use of computer software and hardware.
• Completion of required Benefit Programs training.
• Knowledge of public service organization practices, economic and basic human behavior, financial assistance programs, state, local, and federal eligibility requirements, and mathematics used to calculate percentages, formulas, and averages.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and associated office and agency software.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with customers, employers, courts, medical professionals, and others, in person and by phone.
• Ability to interview clients, gather information, reassess their situations, and make referrals.
• Ability to determine a client’s ownership share, perform mathematical computations, and analyze information from multiple sources to identify missing information and gaps.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions, use automated technology to maintain case records and access and manipulate data, and maintain professional confidentiality.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness, draw logical conclusions, and maintain effective working relationships in sometimes stressful situations.
• Valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a driving record that meets agency requirements.
• Willingness to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
• Applicants may be subject to criminal history, central registry, driving record, fingerprint, local agency, employment, reference, education, credit, and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish or bilingual skills, with the competency to translate benefit program details.

Responsibilities

• Interview people seeking assistance, obtain necessary information, and re-determine their continued eligibility.
• Explain benefit programs and determine applicants’ reasons for and need for assistance.
• Make eligibility determinations for food, financial assistance, medical assistance, and other social service benefit programs.
• Assist in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required, including during a natural disaster or emergency.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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