Benefit Programs Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Waynesboro, VA

6d

About The Position

This is a technical position where the incumbent is responsible for determining and re-determining the eligibility of individuals and families for various social services' benefits programs, including food, financial assistance, and medical assistance. The work involves applying established policies, procedures, and guidelines, with a requirement for independent judgment, particularly in evaluating social factors influencing eligibility. Key tasks include interviewing individuals for assistance, gathering necessary information, explaining benefit programs, determining reasons for and need for assistance, and completing other assigned duties. The role also involves assisting in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required. The Benefit Programs Specialist II reports directly to the Benefit Programs Supervisor.

Requirements

• Considerable knowledge of practices of public service organizations.
• Considerable knowledge of economic and basic human behavior.
• Considerable knowledge of financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits.
• Considerable knowledge of eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outlined by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations, and policies.
• Considerable knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas, and averages to solve mathematical problems.
• Skills in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a broad spectrum of individuals to include customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone.
• Demonstrated ability to interview, gather information, re-evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals.
• Demonstrated ability to determine a client’s ownership share in situations.
• Demonstrated ability to make mathematical computations.
• 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, reports, and manipulate data.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Prior work experience in financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/redetermine eligibility for benefits.
• Prior work experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and the completion of required Benefit Programs training.
• Spanish, bi-lingual, skills with a competency to translate benefit program details.
• All employees must have a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Driving record must meet agency requirements.
• Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Responsibilities

• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, re-determines their continued eligibility.
• Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance.
• Completes other duties as assigned.
• Assists in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required.

What This Job Offers

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