Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Orange, VA

About The Position

Benefit Programs Specialist I is an entry-level position in which employees work under close supervision while training to determine eligibility for social services and government assistance programs. Upon supervisor recommendation, director approval, and successful completion of training, the employee may be redefined as a full-performance Benefit Programs Specialist II, with a corresponding salary increase under the local department’s compensation plan. The Specialist II performs eligibility duties independently, applying agency practices and procedures and relevant federal, state, and local laws and policies. The position is distinguished from the advanced Specialist III level, which handles complex cases and serves as a technical resource. The work involves determining and redetermining individuals’ and families’ eligibility for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs. Work follows established policies, procedures, and guidelines, with independent judgment required in some eligibility decisions, particularly when evaluating social factors. Supervisory guidance is sought for difficult or unusual situations. The role conducts client interviews, processes applications, explains program benefits and client rights and responsibilities, evaluates and verifies information, calculates assistance plans and special allowances, and assesses clients’ social circumstances, employability, and potential income sources. It also requires maintaining case records and using computers and agency software to access, retrieve, and manipulate data. Applicants are subject to background and other employment-related checks. A valid driver’s license and driving record must be submitted before the start date if the applicant is being considered for employment. The employee must be willing to work in a community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency and assist Family Services with care of high-acuity foster care youth.

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.
Working knowledge of mathematics for calculating percentages, formulas, and averages.
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 sufficient to determine or redetermine benefit eligibility under applicable regulations and guidelines.
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, create and manipulate reports, and establish, process, and maintain case records.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; and follow written or oral instructions using common sense.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions.
Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality and establish effective working relationships in a positive and tactful manner, including in stressful situations.
High school diploma supplemented with experience in benefit programs and completion of required Benefit Programs training, or an equivalent combination of training providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Applicants are subject to criminal history, Central Registry, and DMV/driving record checks; investigations may also include fingerprinting, agency checks, employment and reference verification, education verification, credit checks where relevant, and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
A valid driver’s license and driving record must be submitted before the actual start date if considered for employment.
Willingness to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency and to assist Family Services with care of high-acuity foster care youth.

Nice To Haves

Experience evaluating and processing SNAP and Medicaid cases.
Experience with VaCMS, MMIS, or other VDSS agency-related software programs.
Experience working with populations with limited English proficiency.
Bilingual ability in English and Spanish.
Experience working effectively and successfully within a team.

Responsibilities

Conduct interviews to determine applicants’ eligibility for assistance and redetermine continuing eligibility.
Explain temporary assistance benefit programs and determine the reasons for and need for assistance.
Process applications for financial assistance and diversion, and explain client responsibilities, rights, and program availability.
Evaluate the consistency and completeness of information collected and substantiate its accuracy when indicated.
Compute assistance plans and determine the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstances.
Evaluate social factors such as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning.
Evaluate clients’ employability and explore potential sources of income.
Establish, process, and maintain case records using automated technology and agency software.
Work in the community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency, if required.
Assist Family Services with care of high-acuity foster care youth, if required.