Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Appomattox, VA

13h • $35,000 - $55,000

About The Position

The Benefit Programs Specialist I/II role involves determining eligibility for various social services government assistance programs. The Specialist I level is an entry-level position where employees are trained under close supervision. Upon successful completion of training and supervisor recommendation, employees are reclassified to Benefit Programs Specialist II, performing duties independently and exercising judgment within agency practices, procedures, and mandated laws. The Benefit Programs Specialist II is the full-performance level, responsible for determining and re-determining eligibility for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefits. While work is performed within established guidelines, independent judgment is required, particularly in evaluating social factors influencing eligibility. Supervisors are consulted for difficult or unusual situations. The Specialist II differs from a higher level by not performing advanced technical work or serving as a technical resource for complex cases.

Requirements

• Knowledge of basic human behavior.
• Knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas, and averages.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to interview, gather information, and evaluate situations.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information.
• Demonstrated ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness.
• Demonstrated ability to use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports, and manipulate data.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.
• High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with case management, especially in a DSS agency.
• Preferred experience with F&C Medicaid and SNAP processing.

Responsibilities

• Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines their continuing eligibility.
• Explains the nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance.
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion.
• Explains client responsibilities, rights, and program availability.
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of secured data and substantiates its accuracy where indicated.
• Computes assistance plans.
• Determines the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items.
• Evaluates social factors such as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning.
• Evaluates client employability and explores potential sources of income.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED