Benefit Programs Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services•Petersburg, VA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves managing complex cases of clients receiving public assistance, interviewing clients to determine program eligibility, and ensuring the continuation of services by managing vendor relationships and payments. The role requires monitoring program efficacy, completing reports, participating in strategic planning, and serving as a resource to staff and the public regarding public assistance programs and eligibility requirements. Additionally, the specialist will maintain records, prepare reports, and explain program details and applicant rights and responsibilities.

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 to include, but not limited to, 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 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

Contact vendors for services and ensure payments to allow for the restoration or continuation of services.
Monitor efficacy and trends of programs, and complete seasonal, quarterly, and yearly reports.
Participate in task forces, strategic planning, mentoring volunteers, students, and new employees, teaching classes, and conducting outreach.
Review cases for correctness, identify significant errors/problems in caseloads, and determine if the errors/problems are with the section, unit, or an employee.
Provide statistical data and other information to support budget requests.
Interview clients who provide questionable or fraudulent statements and information and determine program eligibility.
Document data and information gathered and compare findings with established guidelines of program eligibility.
Prepare reports regarding quality control and make recommendations to the supervisor.
Explain programs, and the rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients, and conduct follow-up as needed.
Carry a caseload of clients receiving public assistance that involve complex issues.
Serve as a resource to staff and the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements.
Answer questions related to policies and procedures.
Maintain records, prepare reports, and submit summaries and information as required.