Benefit Programs Specialist I/II (Prince Edward)

Virginia Department of Social Services•Farmville, VA

4d•$40,662•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves determining eligibility for various social services government assistance programs. The role progresses from an entry-level trainee (Benefit Programs Specialist I) to a fully independent role (Benefit Programs Specialist II) upon successful completion of training and supervisor approval. Benefit Programs Specialist II independently performs all eligibility duties, making judgments based on agency practices, procedures, and mandated laws. The full performance level requires determining and re-determining eligibility for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs. While working within established policies, independent judgment is required, especially concerning social factors influencing eligibility. Supervisory assistance is sought only for difficult or unusual situations. This role is distinguished from a higher-level specialist by the latter's performance of advanced technical work and serving as a technical resource.

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.
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.
Passing a criminal background search.
Passing a DSS Central Registry search.
Passing a pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Experience in benefit programs.
Experience with computer software and hardware.
Completion of required Benefit Programs training.

Responsibilities

Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and redetermines 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.