Benefit Programs Specialist III
About The Position
The Benefit Programs Specialist III is an advanced-level role in the public assistance occupational group. The position performs advanced technical work or projects requiring considerable knowledge of public assistance programs, including fraud or quality-control case reviews. The specialist conducts initial and ongoing eligibility determinations requiring advanced program knowledge, or examines cases completed by other eligibility workers to assess accuracy and uniformity. Work is performed independently under established guidelines and standards, with the most complex situations reviewed with a supervisor. Unlike a Benefit Programs Specialist IV, this position is not identified as a lead-worker role and does not provide back-up supervision. The specialist may carry a caseload involving complex issues, determine program eligibility, review casework for errors, prepare quality-control reports, and provide program information and support to staff and the public. The role also involves monitoring program effectiveness and trends, preparing reports and budget-support information, participating in planning and outreach activities, and maintaining accurate records. Applicants must be current HCDSS employees. Only current HCDSS employees will be selected for an interview. The position is part of Virginia’s Social Services System, which works with local departments of social services and community organizations to support children and families and connect vulnerable residents with services and benefits.
Requirements
- Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, codes, policies, and procedures related to public assistance programs.
- Considerable knowledge of basic human behavior and financial assistance programs sufficient to determine benefit eligibility.
- Considerable knowledge of human services programs and how they interrelate.
- Considerable knowledge of strategic planning processes and mathematics used to calculate percentages, formulas, and averages.
- Considerable knowledge of interviewing techniques, including data collection, interrogation, and investigation.
- Skill in operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software.
- Ability to manage complex cases and independently interpret public policies and regulations to make decisions across public assistance programs.
- Ability to train staff, speak publicly to promote agency programs, develop brochures and pamphlets, and use audiovisual equipment.
- Ability to share information with coworkers and communicate effectively and diplomatically, orally and in writing, with customers, employers, courts, medical professionals, and others, in person and by phone.
- Ability to interview clients, gather information, reassess their situations, and make referrals.
- Ability to determine a client’s ownership share in cases involving multiple owners.
- Ability to assess client needs by collecting and analyzing employment history and relevant personal, family, and cultural information.
- Ability to use automated technology to maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, and prepare reports and manipulate data.
- Ability to maintain professional ethics and confidentiality; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness; and draw logical conclusions.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective, positive, and tactful working relationships with applicants, recipients, public and private agencies, associates, and the public, including in stressful situations.
- Ability to identify customer needs and explore options using available community resources.
- Education and experience equivalent to the requirements for Benefit Program Specialist II, with additional related work experience in benefit programs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Must be a current HCDSS employee to apply.
Responsibilities
- Contact vendors for services and ensure payments that allow services to be restored or continued.
- Monitor program effectiveness and trends and complete seasonal, quarterly, and yearly reports.
- Participate in task forces and strategic planning, mentor volunteers, students, and new employees, teach classes, and conduct outreach.
- Review cases for correctness and identify significant errors or problems in caseloads, determining whether they arise at the section, unit, or employee level.
- Provide statistical data and other information to support budget requests.
- Interview clients who provide questionable or potentially fraudulent statements or information and determine program eligibility.
- Document gathered data and compare findings with established program eligibility guidelines.
- Prepare quality-control reports and make recommendations to the supervisor.
- Explain programs and applicants’ and recipients’ rights and responsibilities, and conduct follow-up as needed.
- Carry a caseload of public assistance clients with complex issues.
- Serve as a resource to staff and the public on public assistance programs and eligibility requirements.
- Answer questions about policies and procedures.
- Maintain records, prepare reports, and submit summaries and information as required.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
