Benefit Programs Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Winchester, VA

1d • $49,358 - $60,195

About The Position

The Benefit Programs Specialist II processes applications and determines eligibility for financial assistance and other government benefit programs. The role requires sustained, accurate and consistent performance of the duties of a Benefit Programs Specialist I, with increasing independence in casework and the ability to use policy guidance before seeking supervisory help in complex situations. The position involves interviewing applicants and recipients, explaining programs and responsibilities, maintaining case records, monitoring changes in circumstances, and connecting clients with community resources and other services. The employee also completes required and supplementary training, participates in community outreach, and may work assigned shifts to set up and staff emergency shelters if Winchester declares a state of emergency. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions; other duties may be assigned.

A newly hired employee may qualify for this level by meeting the promotion qualifications: one year of sustained satisfactory performance as a Benefit Program Specialist I or in a similar position in a government social services agency, thorough knowledge of benefit programs, and demonstrated independent judgment. Qualifications also include benefit-program experience, computer software and hardware experience, completion of required training or an equivalent combination of training and experience, and a valid appropriate driver’s license. Mandatory state training, including Medicaid and SNAP, must be completed; additional program training may be required. Bilingual English-Spanish ability is preferred.

The work is conducted indoors and outdoors under variable weather conditions, with considerable face-to-face contact with the public and some travel. It requires light physical effort, including walking, talking, stooping, kneeling, lifting lightweight materials up to 25 pounds, bending, reaching, and gripping. Vision must meet the minimum requirements set by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Requirements

• One year of sustained satisfactory performance as a Benefit Program Specialist I or in a similar position in a government social services agency for a newly hired employee entering at this level.
• Thorough knowledge of benefit programs and demonstrated independent judgment.
• 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 that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Possession of a valid and appropriate driver’s license.
• Completion of mandatory state training, including Medicaid and SNAP; additional program training may be required.
• Working knowledge of public service organization practices; economics and basic human behavior; financial assistance programs and benefit eligibility; State, Local, and Federal social service eligibility requirements and policies; mathematics for calculating percentages, formulas, and averages; and interviewing techniques, including data collection and investigation.
• 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, evaluate situations, make referrals, determine ownership shares, analyze information from multiple sources, and identify missing information and gaps.
• Ability to use automated technology to establish and maintain case records and access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate; understand reports and manipulate data.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional ethics, exercise sound judgment and discretion, use tact and resourcefulness, solve problems, draw logical conclusions, and maintain effective working relationships under sometimes stressful situations.
• Ability to read and comprehend, and to speak and communicate effectively using correct English.
• Ability to meet the minimum vision requirements set by the Division of Motor Vehicles.
• Ability to perform light physical activities including walking, talking, stooping, kneeling, lifting materials up to 25 pounds, bending, reaching, and gripping.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual English-Spanish ability.
• At least two years of Benefit Programs experience and successful completion of all required trainings qualify candidates for the stated hiring bonus.

Responsibilities

• Complete required State and in-house training on government programs.
• Register applications, conduct system searches, and schedule initial interviews.
• Interview applicants, obtain necessary information, and determine eligibility.
• Develop positive working relationships with clients and explain benefit programs, assistance needs, and other social service programs.
• Process applications for financial assistance and diversion; determine eligibility and benefit levels accurately using automated systems and manual methods within established deadlines.
• Interpret applicable program policies and procedures.
• Monitor cases for changes in recipients’ circumstances and update benefit levels within guidelines.
• Evaluate clients’ employment status and explore potential income sources.
• Organize and maintain accurate client case records, ensure thorough documentation, and prepare program reports as applicable.
• Evaluate the consistency and completeness of information, verify its accuracy, identify possible fraud, and make appropriate referrals.
• Explain programs and the rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients.
• Provide information about community resources and make referrals, including referrals to the Services unit when abuse or neglect issues arise.
• Make home visits as needed.
• Complete casework with increasing independence, consulting applicable policy and seeking supervision for the most complex situations.
• Seek out and complete supplementary training in core program areas.
• Represent the agency through community outreach and external community meetings.
• Work assigned shifts to set up and staff emergency shelters if Winchester declares a state of emergency.
• Contribute to a positive work environment.

Benefits

• A $5,000 hiring bonus is available to qualified candidates with at least two years of Benefit Programs experience who have successfully completed all required trainings.

What This Job Offers

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