Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Stanley, VA

5d•$36,000 - $69,301

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 focused on training under close supervision. Upon successful completion of training and supervisor recommendation, the employee is redefined to Benefit Programs Specialist II, performing duties independently and exercising judgment according to agency practices, procedures, and mandated laws. The Specialist II level is the full-performance level, responsible for determining and re-determining eligibility for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs. While working within established policies, this role requires independent judgment, particularly in evaluating social factors influencing eligibility. Supervisory assistance is sought only for difficult or unusual situations. The Specialist II is distinguished from a higher level by not performing advanced technical work or serving as a technical resource for complex cases.

Requirements

Working knowledge of practices of public service organizations.
Working knowledge of economic and basic human behavior.
Working knowledge of financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits.
Working knowledge of eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outlined by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies.
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.
Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone.
Demonstrated ability to interview, gather information, re-evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals.
Demonstrated ability to determine a client’s ownership share in situations.
Demonstrated ability to make mathematical computations.
Demonstrated ability to analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps.
Demonstrated ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
Demonstrated ability to use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, reports, and manipulate data.
Demonstrated ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.
Same as required in Benefit Program Specialist I with experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefit Programs training OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Responsibilities

Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and re-determines their continuing eligibility.
Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance.
Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods.
Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various programs.
Monitors cases for changes in recipient circumstances, and implements changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines.
Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential sources of income; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability.
Refers clients to service worker as the result of overall assessment of situation; prepares reports and maintains client records.
Identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals.
Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy.
Explains programs and rights/responsibilities of applicants and recipients.
Explores other possible sources of income.
Computes assistance plans.
Determines the amount of allowances for special circumstance items such as household equipment.
Identifies clearly discernible social problems and makes referrals to Social Workers.
Provides applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services as needed.
Explains a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services and child care services.