Benefit Programs Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services•Winchester, VA

7d•$54,371 - $66,310•Onsite

About The Position

The Benefit Programs Specialist III designation is based on an employee’s sustained ability to satisfactorily perform all the duties of a Benefit Programs Specialist II, with a degree of accuracy and consistency that is commensurate with their experience. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may also be assigned.

Requirements

Two years of sustained satisfactory performance as a Benefit Program Specialist II or similar position in a government social services agency
Thorough knowledge of benefit programs
Demonstrated independent judgment
Possession of a valid and appropriate driver’s license
Must complete mandatory state training including Medicaid and SNAP
Ability to read and comprehend
Ability to speak and communicate effectively using correct English
Working knowledge of practices of public service organizations; economic and basic human behavior; financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits; eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outlined by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively 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
Ability to interview, gather information, evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals
Ability to determine a client’s ownership share in situations
Ability to analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form
Ability to use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate
Understanding of reports and ability to manipulate data
Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions
Ability to establish and 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

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English-Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

Completes required State and in-house training on various government programs
Registers applications for various government programs, executes system searches and schedules initial interviews
Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and makes eligibility determinations
Engages client in a positive working relationship
Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance, as well as other Social Service programs
Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion. Accurately determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods within established deadlines
Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various programs
Monitors cases for changes in recipient circumstances and implements changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines
Evaluates employment status of clients and explores potential sources of income
Organizes and maintains accurate client case records and documentation and, as applicable, prepares program reports
Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, verifies its accuracy, identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals
Explains programs and rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients
Provides applicants or recipients with information about other community resources and makes referrals
Makes referrals to Services unit for cases where abuse or neglect issues arise
Makes home visits as needed
Seeks out and completes supplementary training in core program areas
Serves as a mentor and coordinates training and orientation activities for new eligibility workers
Works on the most complex and sensitive cases
Represents the agency in the community via outreach activities, external community meetings, and creating and delivering presentations to partners as needed
Serves in a leadership capacity and assists Benefit Programs Supervisors with case readings, staff training, and by providing back-up supervision of staff
Works assigned shift(s) to set up and staff emergency shelters should Winchester declare a state of emergency
Contributes to a positive work environment