Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Radford, VA

8d

About The Position

Benefit Programs Specialist I is the entry-level position in the occupational group. Employees work under close supervision while training to determine eligibility for social services assistance programs. Upon supervisor recommendation, director approval, and successful completion of the training program, an employee may be redefined as a Benefit Programs Specialist II, with a corresponding salary increase under the local department’s compensation plan.

Benefit Programs Specialist II is the full-performance level. The role determines and re-determines eligibility for individuals and families seeking financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs. Work follows established policies, procedures, guidelines, and mandated federal, state, and local laws. Some eligibility decisions require independent judgment, particularly when evaluating social factors. Specialists seek supervisory assistance only for difficult or unusual situations. The Specialist II performs assigned eligibility duties independently.

Applicants may be subject to background and other pre-employment checks. Employees must be willing to work in a community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency. Applications and resumes must be submitted electronically through the designated website; mailed, emailed, faxed, and hand-delivered submissions are not accepted.

Requirements

• High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• High school diploma supplemented with benefit-program experience and completion of required Benefit Program training, or an equivalent combination of training providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Working knowledge of mathematics for calculating percentages, formulas, and averages to solve problems.
• Working knowledge of interviewing techniques, including data collection and investigation.
• Working knowledge of public service organization practices, economics and basic human behavior, and financial assistance programs and regulations sufficient to determine and re-determine benefit eligibility.
• Experience providing customer service to the public, including interviewing and gathering information.
• Skill operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software to research, scan, retrieve data, and create and manipulate reports and case records.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; follow written and oral instructions; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness; use automated technology; maintain confidentiality and professional ethics; and establish effective working relationships, including under stressful circumstances.
• Willingness to work in a community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
• Satisfactory results of required background checks and pre-employment screening, if required.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determine continuing eligibility.
• Explain temporary assistance benefit programs and determine the reasons for and need for assistance.
• Process applications for financial assistance and diversion; explain client responsibilities, rights, and available programs.
• Evaluate the consistency and completeness of gathered information and substantiate its accuracy when indicated.
• Compute assistance plans.
• Determine the need for and amount of allowances for special-circumstance items.
• Evaluate social factors, including education, work experience, and levels of social functioning.
• Evaluate clients’ employability and explore potential sources of income.
• Establish, process, and maintain case records; research, scan, retrieve, and manipulate data and create reports using computer and agency software.

What This Job Offers

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