Benefit Programs Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Bristol, VA

2d•$32,415 - $42,000

About The Position

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 is conducted within established policies, procedures, and guidelines, with independent judgment used for certain eligibility decisions, particularly when evaluating social factors. Supervisory assistance is sought only for difficult or unusual situations. Compared with Benefit Programs Specialist III, this role does not perform the advanced technical work involving complex cases or serve as a technical resource for others regarding eligibility programs. The position requires working knowledge of public service organizations, basic economic and human behavior, financial assistance and social services eligibility requirements, mathematics, and interviewing techniques. The employee uses a personal computer and office and agency software, communicates with a broad range of people and organizations, gathers and analyzes information, maintains confidential case records, makes eligibility decisions and referrals, and establishes effective working relationships, including in stressful situations.

Requirements

Working knowledge of public service organization practices, economics, and basic human behavior.
Working knowledge of financial assistance programs sufficient to determine and re-determine benefit eligibility.
Working knowledge of social services eligibility requirements under state, local, and federal guidelines, regulations, and policies.
Working knowledge of mathematics for calculating percentages, formulas, and averages.
Working knowledge of interviewing techniques, including data collection and investigation.
Skill in 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, re-evaluate client situations, and make referrals.
Ability to determine a client’s ownership share in relevant situations and perform mathematical computations.
Ability to analyze information from multiple sources, identify missing information and gaps, and use automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data, prepare reports, and manipulate data.
Ability to apply common-sense understanding to written or oral instructions.
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 under stressful situations.
Same education and experience requirements as Benefit Programs Specialist I, with experience in benefit programs and in using computer software and hardware, plus completion of required Benefit Programs training, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Responsibilities

Interview applicants and recipients, obtain necessary information, and re-determine continuing eligibility.
Explain benefit programs and determine applicants’ reasons and needs for assistance.
Process applications for financial assistance and diversion, determine eligibility and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods, and compute assistance plans.
Interpret policies and procedures applicable to various programs.
Monitor cases for changes in recipient circumstances and update benefit levels in accordance with guidelines.
Evaluate clients’ employability status, explore potential sources of income, and explain client responsibilities, rights, and program availability.
Refer clients to service workers following an overall assessment of their situations.
Prepare reports and maintain client records.
Identify possible fraud and make appropriate referrals; assess the consistency and completeness of information and substantiate its accuracy when indicated.
Determine allowances for special-circumstance items, such as household equipment.
Identify clearly discernible social problems and refer clients to social workers.
Provide applicants and recipients with information about other agencies and services as needed.
Explain programs under the social services umbrella, including employment services, child support services, and child care services.