Benefit Programs Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services•Warrenton, VA

10h

About The Position

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 providing 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. The Benefit Programs Specialist III is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist IV by the latter’s serving as a lead worker, providing guidance to other specialists, and supporting the supervisor by ensuring staff coverage, reviewing cases, and providing back-up supervision as required.

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
Strategic planning process
Interviewing techniques
Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software
Ability to manage complex cases
Ability to read and interpret public policies and regulations sufficient to make decisions independently
Ability to train staff
Ability to promote agency programs
Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with diverse individuals
Ability to analyze client needs and resources
Ability to use automated technology to maintain case records, access and manipulate data
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to establish effective working relationships with applicants, recipients, coworkers, and the public
Same as required in Benefit Programs Specialist II with additional related work experience in benefit programs OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Responsibilities

Contacts vendors for services and ensures payments to allow for 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
Serves as staff at disaster shelters
Performs other related duties as assigned