Benefit Programs Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Charlotte Court House, VA

6d•$32,415

About The Position

Benefit Programs Specialist II is the full-performance level in the Benefit Programs Specialist occupational group. The position determines and re-determines individuals’ and families’ eligibility for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs. Work is performed within established policies, procedures, and guidelines, with independent judgment used in some eligibility determinations, particularly when evaluating social factors. Supervisory assistance is sought for difficult or unusual situations. This role differs from Benefit Programs Specialist III, which performs advanced technical work on complex cases and serves as a technical resource to others. The position interviews applicants and recipients, gathers and evaluates information, determines eligibility and benefit levels, monitors changes in circumstances, and explains programs, rights, and responsibilities. It also identifies potential income sources, employability status, social concerns, and possible fraud; makes referrals; calculates assistance and special-circumstance allowances; and prepares reports and maintains case records. The role requires working knowledge of public service organizations, human behavior, financial and social service assistance programs, applicable eligibility guidelines, mathematics, and interviewing techniques. It requires computer and office-software skills, effective communication and interviewing, sound judgment, confidentiality, accurate analysis and calculations, use of automated technology and data sources, and the ability to build effective working relationships in sometimes stressful situations. Education and experience requirements are the same as those for Benefit Program Specialist I, plus experience in benefit programs, 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.

Requirements

Education and experience requirements are the same as those required for Benefit Program Specialist I.
Experience in benefit programs.
Experience using computer software and hardware.
Completion of required Benefit Programs training, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Working knowledge of public service organization practices, economics and basic human behavior, financial assistance programs, social service eligibility requirements and applicable State, Local, and Federal guidelines, regulations, and policies.
Working knowledge of mathematics for calculating percentages, formulas, and averages, and interviewing techniques such as 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 spectrum of people, including customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals, in person and by phone.
Ability to interview, gather information, reassess client situations, make referrals, determine ownership shares, and perform mathematical computations.
Ability to analyze information from various sources, identify missing information and gaps, and apply common-sense understanding to written and oral instructions.
Ability to use automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, prepare reports, and manipulate data.
Ability to maintain professional ethics and confidentiality and 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.

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 and determine eligibility and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods.
Interpret policies and procedures applicable to the various programs.
Monitor cases for changes in recipient circumstances and implement changes to benefit levels within applicable guidelines.
Evaluate clients’ employability status, explore potential sources of income, and explain client responsibilities, rights, and program availability.
Refer clients to service workers based on 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 collected data and substantiate its accuracy when indicated.
Compute assistance plans and determine allowances for special-circumstance items such as household equipment.
Identify clearly discernible social problems and refer clients to social workers.
Provide information about other agencies where applicants or recipients may obtain needed services.
Explain related social services programs, including employment, child support, and child care services.