Benefit Programs Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services•Daleville, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Benefit Programs Specialist III represents the advanced level in the occupational group. Employees are assigned advanced technical functions or projects that require considerable knowledge of all public assistance functions such as fraud or quality control case review. Employees in this class conduct the initial and ongoing eligibility determinations requiring advanced program knowledge, or provide quality control by examining cases completed by other eligibility workers for accuracy and uniformity. Work is performed independently in accordance with well-established guidelines and standards. The most complex situations are reviewed with the supervisor.

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, interrogation, and investigation.
Skill in operating a personal computer and associated agency software.
Ability to work 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 additional training and related work experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as substantial experience in benefit programs and proficiency with required computer software and hardware, supported by completion of all required Benefit Programs training and additional related work experience within benefit programs appropriate for a Specialist III level.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) senior worker or lead worker role; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Considerable knowledge of public assistance programs, policy, and regulations in regard to: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medical Assistance (Medicaid/Cardinal) - Family & Children, Aged, Blind, Disabled, and Long Term Care, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW), Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP), Energy Assistance Programs (EAP), SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T), Fraud, Quality Control, and other human service programs

Responsibilities

Contacts vendors for services and ensures payments to allow for the restoration or continuation of services.
Monitors efficacy, trends of programs, and completes seasonal, quarterly and yearly reports.
Participates on 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 the errors/problems are with the section, unit or with an employee.
Provides statistical data and other information to support budget requests; interviews clients who provide questionable or fraudulent statements and information and determines 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.
Coordinates and monitors staff activity and caseloads.
Interprets regulation, policy and other program information changes to staff.
Trains new employees in areas such as agency policy, department procedures and agency or government regulations.
Authorizes emergency assistance for applicants/recipients.
Meets with community groups to discuss programs and resources and develops/maintains cooperative relationships with public and private entities.