Benefit Programs Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services • Berryville, VA

1d

About The Position

This position will be responsible for:

Determining initial and redetermining the eligibility of individuals for public
assistance benefit programs including, but not limited to, SNAP and Medicaid.
Individuals will document data and information gathered and compare findings
with established guidelines of program eligibility. Position may also be
responsible for preparing reports regarding quality control and making
recommendations to the supervisor. The Benefits Program Specialist III explains
programs, and the rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients, and
conducts follow-up as needed. This position will carry a caseload of clients
receiving public assistance that may involve complex issues. The level III
specialist serves as a resource to staff and the public concerning public
assistance programs and eligibility requirements providing answers to questions
related to policies and procedures. The Benefit Program Specialist maintains
records, prepares summaries, and responds to inquiries.

Requirements

• Considerable knowledge of: Applicable laws, codes, policies, and procedures related to public assistance programs; basic human behavior; financial assistance programs sufficient to determine benefits eligibility; human services programs and how each interrelates; the strategic planning process; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.
• Demonstrated ability to: manage complex cases; read and interpret public policies and regulations sufficient to make decisions independently in a variety of public assistance program; train staff; speak in public, promoting agency programs; develop brochures and pamphlets and use audio-visual equipment; share learned information with co-workers; communicate effectively and diplomatically both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone; interview, gather information, re-evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals; determine a client’s ownership share in situations where multi-ownership exists; assess client’s needs through collection and analysis of employment history and pertinent personal, family and cultural information; 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; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; and 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; and identify customers’ needs and explore options to address these needs within the available community resources.
• High school diploma with strong experience related work experience in benefit programs, completion of required Benefit Programs training, and use of agency software to determine eligibility for public assistance programs OR any equivalent combination of one to three years related experience and/or training, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities of a Level III Benefit Programs Specialist.
• Applicants are subject to a Criminal History Background search, including an FBI Fingerprint Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screening.
• Shelter Duty & Emergency Response – When initiated by the County/Agency Leadership, must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter

Responsibilities

• Determining initial and redetermining the eligibility of individuals for public assistance benefit programs including, but not limited to, SNAP and Medicaid.
• Documenting data and information gathered and compare findings with established guidelines of program eligibility.
• Preparing reports regarding quality control and making recommendations to the supervisor.
• Explaining programs, and the rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients, and conducts follow-up as needed.
• Carrying a caseload of clients receiving public assistance that may involve complex issues.
• Serving as a resource to staff and the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements providing answers to questions related to policies and procedures.
• Maintaining records, prepares summaries, and responds to inquiries.

What This Job Offers

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