Benefit Programs Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services•Suffolk, VA

1d•$56,716 - $89,215

About The Position

Under limited supervision, performs case management and team leader/team member duties to determine applicants’ eligibility for assistance through multiple benefit programs administered by the Social Services Department. The position interviews applicants, explains benefit programs, assists with forms, determines and communicates eligibility, and provides or facilitates access to human services. It verifies applicant information, detects and reports fraud, and maintains confidential records. The Specialist serves as a mentor and resource for coworkers, exercises limited approval authority, and participates in improving customer service, operations, problem resolution, and unit planning and work control. The position reports to the Benefit Programs Supervisor. The role includes administrative and case-management work, eligibility calculations and data entry, case-file and report review, policy interpretation, staff training, and coordination with agency personnel and outside groups. The employee must be willing to accept disaster-related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions. Other related duties may also be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, plus work experience in human services program eligibility or case management; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Ability to perform case-management and team-leader/team-member duties.
Ability to determine eligibility for multiple benefit programs, interview applicants, explain programs, and help applicants complete forms.
Ability to review and verify applicant information for accuracy and completeness and detect and report fraud.
Knowledge of relevant benefit-program policies, procedures, laws, ordinances, regulations, and departmental practices.
Ability to interpret regulations and procedures and use judgment in evaluating information.
Ability to perform arithmetic calculations, including decimals and percentages, and interpret graphs.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, including preparing reports and interacting with coworkers, supervisors, clients, and the public.
Ability to use computers and software typically used in the position.
Ability to work independently with little direct supervision as situations warrant.
Ability to lead, motivate, and evaluate assigned staff.
Willingness to work disaster-related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, when needed.
Ability to operate office equipment and communicate by telephone; ability to work under stress and interact with people who may be under stress.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field.
Five to seven years of experience involving social services program work, including interviewing and counseling; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

Calculate and determine the amount and type of assistance applicants or clients may be eligible to receive.
Respond to inquiries about benefit programs and refer inquiries to appropriate personnel.
Perform administrative tasks, prepare correspondence and forms, organize caseloads, set priorities, and schedule appointments.
Use computer data-entry and file-maintenance programs to retrieve information and complete eligibility entries in accordance with State and City requirements.
Research case files and records for periodic eligibility reviews and appeals-related reevaluations.
Identify suspected fraud and make appropriate referrals and contacts.
Maintain confidential records and files and ensure required case actions are complete.
Participate in and support the self-directed team concept; meet with team members and act as a team leader.
Monitor and approve or disapprove recommended case actions; review cases and assist subordinates with difficult or complicated cases.
Interpret policies and advise subordinates; ensure workers receive training on new policies and procedures.
Participate in training seminars, conferences, and meetings with agency personnel and outside groups.
Assess the suitability of policies and procedures for applicants’ and clients’ needs and recommend changes as needed.
Review case-management reports, maintain case files, and research information for eligibility reviews and appeals.
Compile and organize data from multiple sources and conduct research for periodic reports and analysis.
Serve as a resource for agency staff on new policies and procedures and as a liaison to the State Department and other outside agencies.
Mentor coworkers, approve own work, and monitor work completed by Level I and II Case Managers.
Serve as the unit resource person for automated-systems access and troubleshooting.
Perform other related duties as required.
Accept disaster-related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, during a natural disaster or emergency.