Benefit Programs Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Verona, VA

1d • $41,862 - $43,955

About The Position

This technical position determines and re-determines eligibility for individuals and families seeking food, financial assistance, medical assistance, and other social services benefits. Work is performed under established policies, procedures, and guidelines, with independent judgment required in some eligibility decisions, particularly when evaluating social factors. The role conducts applicant interviews, collects information, reviews continued eligibility, explains benefit programs, and determines reasons and needs for assistance. The specialist may also assist in providing emergency shelter when mandated or required and performs other duties as assigned. The position reports directly to the Benefit Programs Supervisor.

Applicants must have prior work experience in financial assistance programs sufficient to determine or re-determine benefit eligibility, experience with benefit programs and computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefit Programs training. Spanish bilingual skills sufficient to translate benefit program details are also specified. A valid Virginia driver’s license and a driving record meeting agency requirements are required. The employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. Applicants may be subject to background and other employment-related screening checks.

Requirements

• 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, eligibility requirements under State, Local, and Federal guidelines, regulations, and policies, and mathematics used to calculate percentages, formulas, and averages.
• Skill in operating 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 telephone.
• Ability to interview clients, gather information, reassess client situations, make referrals, determine ownership shares, perform mathematical computations, analyze information from multiple sources, and 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 reports, and maintain confidentiality and professional ethics.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness; draw logical conclusions; and establish effective working relationships under sometimes stressful conditions.
• Valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a driving record meeting agency requirements.
• Willingness to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish bilingual skills with 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 reasons for and needs for assistance.
• Assist in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required, including in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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