Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Radford, VA

1d

About The Position

The Benefit Programs Specialist I/II role involves determining and re-determining eligibility for various social services and government assistance programs, including financial assistance, food stamps, and medical assistance. The Benefit Programs Specialist I is an entry-level position requiring training and close supervision, while the Benefit Programs Specialist II is a full-performance level position where employees independently make judgments based on agency practices, procedures, and laws. Responsibilities include conducting interviews, explaining program details, processing applications, evaluating client information, computing assistance plans, and assessing employability and potential income sources. The work requires independent judgment, especially in evaluating social factors influencing eligibility, with supervisory assistance sought only for difficult or unusual situations.

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.
• Working knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas, and averages to solve mathematical problems.
• Working knowledge of interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
• Working knowledge of practices of public service organizations; economic and basic human behavior.
• Working knowledge of financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits using regulations and guidelines.
• Experience providing customer service to the public including the ability to interview and gather information.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software to research, scan and retrieve data, create and manipulate reports to establish, process, and maintain case records.
• High school diploma supplemented with experience in benefit programs and completion of required Benefit Program training or any equivalent combination of training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in benefit programs evaluating and processing SNAP, and Medicaid cases.
• Experience with VACMS, MMIS, or any VDSS agency related software program.
• Experience working with populations with limited English proficiency.
• Experience working effectively and successfully within a team.

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 data secured, and where indicated, substantiates its accuracy.
• 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 employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED