Benefit Programs Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Winchester, VA

3d • $49,358 - $60,195 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Benefit Programs Specialist II designation is based on an employee’s sustained ability to satisfactorily perform all the duties of a Benefit Programs Specialist I, with a degree of accuracy and consistency that is commensurate with their experience. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may also be assigned.

Requirements

• One year of sustained satisfactory performance as a Benefit Program Specialist I or similar position in a government social services agency
• Thorough knowledge of benefit programs
• Demonstrated independent judgment
• Experience in benefit programs
• Use of computer software and hardware
• Completion of required Benefit Programs training
• Possession of a valid and appropriate driver’s license
• Must complete mandatory state training including Medicaid and SNAP
• Ability to read and comprehend
• Ability to speak and communicate effectively using correct English
• 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
• Mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation
• 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, evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals
• Demonstrated ability to determine a client’s ownership share in situations
• 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
• Understanding of reports and ability to 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 and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual English-Spanish preferred
• Additional program trainings may be required

Responsibilities

• Completes required State and in-house training on various government programs
• Registers applications for various government programs, executes system searches and schedules initial interviews
• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and makes eligibility determinations
• Engages client in a positive working relationship
• Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance, as well as other Social Service programs
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion. Accurately determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods within established deadlines
• Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various programs
• Monitors cases for changes in recipient circumstances and implements changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines
• Evaluates employment status of clients and explores potential sources of income
• Organizes and maintains accurate client case records, ensures thorough documentation and prepares program reports as applicable
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, verifies its accuracy, identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals
• Explains programs and rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients
• Provides applicants or recipients with information about other community resources and makes referrals
• Makes referrals to Services unit for cases where abuse or neglect issues arise
• Makes home visits as needed
• Completes casework with increasing independence, reviewing applicable policy for guidance prior to seeking out Supervision in only the most complex situations
• Seeks out and completes supplementary training in core program areas
• Represents the agency in the community via outreach activities and external community meetings
• Works assigned shift(s) to set up and staff emergency shelters should Winchester declare a state of emergency
• Contributes to a positive work environment

What This Job Offers

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