Benefit Programs Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services•Petersburg, VA

19h•$55,000 - $70,000

About The Position

This position is responsible for managing a caseload of clients receiving public assistance with complex issues. The specialist will contact vendors to ensure service continuation, monitor program efficacy, and complete reports. They will also participate in task forces, mentor staff, teach classes, and conduct outreach. A key part of the role involves reviewing cases for correctness, identifying errors, and determining program eligibility through client interviews and documentation. The specialist will prepare quality control reports, explain program details and client rights, and serve as a resource to staff and the public regarding public assistance programs and eligibility requirements. Maintaining records, preparing reports, and submitting summaries are also essential duties.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, codes, policies, and procedures related to public assistance programs.
Considerable knowledge of basic human behavior.
Considerable knowledge of financial assistance programs sufficient to determine benefits eligibility.
Considerable knowledge of human services programs and how each interrelates.
Considerable knowledge of the strategic planning process.
Considerable knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems.
Considerable knowledge of interviewing techniques such as data collection, interrogation, and investigation.
Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases.
Demonstrated ability to read and interpret public policies and regulations sufficient to make decisions independently in a variety of public assistance programs.
Demonstrated ability to train staff.
Demonstrated ability to speak in public, promoting agency programs.
Demonstrated ability to develop brochures and pamphlets and use audio-visual equipment.
Demonstrated ability to share learned information with co-workers.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically both orally and in writing with a broad spectrum of individuals 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 where multi ownership exists.
Demonstrated ability to assess client’s needs through collection and analysis of employment history and pertinent personal, family and cultural information.
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.
Demonstrated ability to identify customers’ needs and explore options to address these needs within the available community resources.
High school graduate with additional related work experience in benefit programs OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and pre-employment drug screen.
The investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
This position is covered under Code of Virginia 563.2-1601.1 or 563.2-1720 requiring the finalist provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.
Employees must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Responsibilities

Contacts vendors for services and ensures payments for restoration or continuation of services.
Monitors program efficacy and trends, completing seasonal, quarterly, and yearly reports.
Participates in task forces, strategic planning, mentoring volunteers, students, and new employees, teaching classes, and conducting outreach.
Reviews cases for correctness, identifies significant errors/problems in caseloads, and determines if errors/problems are with the section, unit, or an employee.
Provides statistical data and other information to support budget requests.
Interviews clients who provide questionable or fraudulent statements and information to determine program eligibility.
Documents data and information gathered and compares findings with established guidelines of program eligibility.
Prepares reports regarding quality control and makes recommendations to the supervisor.
Explains programs, and the rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients, and conducts follow-up as needed.
Carries a caseload of clients receiving public assistance that involve complex issues.
Serves as a resource to staff and the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements.
Answers questions related to policies and procedures.
Maintains records, prepares reports, and submits summaries and information as required.