Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Powhatan, VA

4d • $43,879

About The Position

The Benefit Programs Specialist I/II role involves determining and re-determining eligibility for various social services benefit programs, including financial assistance, food stamps, and medical assistance. The Benefit Programs Specialist I is an entry-level position focused on training under close supervision, while the Benefit Programs Specialist II performs these duties independently, applying judgment within established policies and procedures. The role requires evaluating social factors influencing eligibility and seeking supervisory guidance only for difficult or unusual situations. This position is part of a large state agency (VDSS) that partners with local departments and organizations to serve vulnerable citizens.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to interview, gather information, and evaluate situations.
• Ability to analyze information.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions.
• Ability to use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data.
• Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.

Nice To Haves

• Able to work independently
• Ability to research multiple policy manuals and apply policies to each program independently.
• Current/recent (within the last 6 months) experience working in Virginia DSS processing applications for benefit programs.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service
• Completion of Virginia DSS phase one and/or two SNAP, Medicaid trainings
• Current/recent demonstrated ability to work with Virginia DSS benefit programs systems: VaCMS, MES, Spider, etc.

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 the 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