Benefit Programs Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Stafford, VA

3d•$56,222 - $61,464

About The Position

Benefit Programs Specialist II is the full-performance level in the Benefit Programs Specialist occupational group. The position determines and redetermines individuals’ and families’ eligibility for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs. Work follows established policies, procedures, and guidelines, while requiring independent judgment in some eligibility decisions, particularly when evaluating social factors. Employees seek supervisory assistance 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 for others. The position interviews applicants and recipients, gathers and evaluates information, processes applications, establishes benefit levels, monitors changes in circumstances, and maintains case records. It explains programs and client rights and responsibilities, explores income and employment possibilities, identifies potential fraud or social problems, and makes appropriate referrals to social workers, service workers, and other agencies. Employees may be required to work in the community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency.

Requirements

High school diploma supplemented with experience in human services, or an equivalent combination of training providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Experience providing customer service to the public, including interviewing and gathering information.
Working knowledge of mathematics for calculating percentages, formulas, and averages, and of interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
Working knowledge of public service organization practices, economic and basic human behavior, financial assistance programs, and eligibility requirements under applicable regulations and guidelines.
Skill operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software to research, scan, retrieve data, and create and manipulate reports and case records.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a broad range of people, including customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals.
Ability to interview, gather information, reassess clients’ situations, make referrals, determine ownership shares, and perform mathematical computations.
Ability to analyze information from multiple sources, identify missing information and gaps, and draw logical conclusions.
Ability to use automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data, and manipulate reports and data.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional ethics; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness; and maintain effective working relationships, including under stressful situations.
Completion of required Benefit Programs training, with experience in benefit programs and computer software and hardware, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Willingness to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Successful completion of required pre-employment checks and screenings, which may include criminal history, Central Registry, DMV/driving record, drug/alcohol, fingerprint, employment verification/reference, and relevant credit checks.

Nice To Haves

Experience evaluating and processing SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid cases.
Experience with VaCMS, MMIS, or other VDSS agency-related software programs.
Bachelor’s degree in human services, public administration, sociology, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Interview applicants and recipients, obtain necessary information, and redetermine continuing eligibility.
Explain benefit programs, determine the reasons and need for assistance, and explain applicants’ and recipients’ rights and responsibilities.
Process applications for financial assistance and diversion; determine eligibility and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods.
Interpret policies and procedures applicable to various benefit programs.
Monitor cases for changes in recipients’ circumstances and implement changes to benefit levels within applicable guidelines.
Evaluate clients’ employability status and explore potential sources of income.
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; evaluate the consistency and completeness of information and substantiate its accuracy when indicated.
Compute assistance plans and determine allowances for special-circumstance items such as household equipment.
Identify discernible social problems and refer clients to social workers.
Provide information about other agencies and services, including employment, child support, and child care services.
Work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.