Benefit Programs Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services • Winchester, VA

2d • $54,371 - $66,310

About The Position

The Benefit Programs Specialist III performs the duties of a Benefit Programs Specialist II with accuracy and consistency appropriate to their experience, while handling the most complex and sensitive cases and providing leadership and training support. The role determines eligibility and benefit levels for government assistance programs, maintains client records, monitors changes in recipients’ circumstances, and connects applicants and recipients with other services and community resources. The position also represents the agency in community outreach and may help staff emergency shelters when Winchester declares a state of emergency. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions; other duties may be assigned.

A newly hired employee may qualify for this level by meeting promotion qualifications: two years of sustained satisfactory performance as a Benefit Program Specialist II or in a similar position at a government social services agency, thorough knowledge of benefit programs, and demonstrated independent judgment. Education and experience requirements are those for Benefit Program Specialist II, with additional related benefit-program work experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A valid and appropriate driver’s license is required, as is completion of mandatory state training, including Medicaid and SNAP. Additional program training may be required.

The work is conducted indoors and outdoors under variable weather conditions, involves considerable face-to-face contact with the general public, and requires some travel. The role involves light physical effort, including walking, talking, stooping, kneeling, light lifting, bending, reaching, and gripping, with lightweight materials up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

• Two years of sustained satisfactory performance as a Benefit Program Specialist II or in a similar position at a government social services agency, with thorough knowledge of benefit programs and demonstrated independent judgment.
• Education and experience requirements equivalent to those for Benefit Program Specialist II, plus additional related work experience in benefit programs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Valid and appropriate driver’s license.
• Completion of mandatory state training, including Medicaid and SNAP; additional program trainings may be required.
• Ability to read and comprehend and to speak and communicate effectively using correct English.
• Working knowledge of public service organization practices, economics and basic human behavior, financial assistance programs, state/local/federal eligibility requirements and policies, mathematics, and interviewing techniques including data collection and investigation.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with customers, employers, courts, medical professionals, and others, in person and by phone.
• Ability to interview and gather information, assess client situations, make referrals, determine ownership shares, identify missing information across sources, and draw logical conclusions.
• Ability to use automated technology to establish and maintain case records and access information such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate; understand reports and manipulate data.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional ethics, exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness, and establish effective working relationships in sometimes stressful situations.
• Ability to meet light physical demands, including walking, talking, stooping, kneeling, lifting lightweight materials up to 25 pounds, bending, reaching, and gripping.
• Vision meeting minimum requirements set by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual English-Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

• Complete required state and in-house training on government programs.
• Register applications, execute system searches, and schedule initial interviews.
• Interview applicants, gather information, and determine eligibility for assistance.
• Build positive working relationships with clients and explain benefit programs, assistance needs, and other social service programs.
• Process applications for financial assistance and diversion, accurately determine eligibility and benefit levels, and meet established deadlines.
• Interpret applicable program policies and procedures.
• Monitor recipient circumstances and update cases and benefit levels in accordance with guidelines.
• Evaluate clients’ employment status and explore potential income sources.
• Maintain accurate case records and documentation and prepare program reports as applicable.
• Evaluate the consistency and completeness of information, verify its accuracy, identify possible fraud, and make appropriate referrals.
• Explain programs and applicants’ and recipients’ rights and responsibilities.
• Provide information about community resources and make referrals, including referrals to the Services unit when abuse or neglect issues arise.
• Make home visits as needed.
• Complete supplementary training in core program areas.
• Mentor and coordinate training and orientation for new eligibility workers.
• Handle the most complex and sensitive cases.
• Represent the agency through outreach, community meetings, and presentations to partners as needed.
• Provide leadership and assist Benefit Programs Supervisors with case readings, staff training, and backup supervision.
• Work assigned shifts to set up and staff emergency shelters if Winchester declares a state of emergency.
• Contribute to a positive work environment.

Benefits

• A $5,000 hiring bonus is available to qualified candidates with at least two years of Benefit Programs experience who have successfully completed all required trainings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed