Benefit Programs Specialist I/II
About The Position
New Kent Social Services is hiring a Benefit Programs Specialist at the I or II level, with the level determined by the successful candidate’s prior experience. Benefit Programs Specialist I is an entry-level position performed under close supervision while the employee trains to determine eligibility for social services assistance programs. After successful completion of the training program and approval by the supervisor and director, an employee may advance to the full-performance Benefit Programs Specialist II level with a corresponding salary increase under the local department’s compensation plan. Benefit Programs Specialist II independently determines and re-determines eligibility for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs. Work is guided by established policies and procedures, but eligibility decisions—particularly assessments of social factors—require independent judgment. Employees seek supervisory assistance for difficult or unusual situations. The position involves interviewing applicants and recipients, reviewing information and documentation, processing applications, calculating assistance and benefit levels, explaining programs and client rights and responsibilities, monitoring changes in circumstances, maintaining case records, and making referrals. The role also includes assessing employability and potential income sources, identifying possible fraud or social problems, and providing information about other available services. Applicants may be subject to criminal history, central registry, driving record, and pre-employment drug checks, as well as other employment-related verifications and screenings. Continued employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory results. The employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. Applications must be submitted electronically through the employer’s website; complete work history and an email address are required.
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.
- For the Benefit Programs Specialist II level: experience in benefit programs and in using computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefit Programs training, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
- Knowledge of mathematics sufficient to calculate percentages, formulas, and averages.
- Knowledge of interviewing techniques, including data collection and investigation.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to interview, gather and analyze information, evaluate client situations, identify missing information, and make referrals.
- Ability to apply written and oral instructions, exercise sound judgment and discretion, and draw logical conclusions.
- Ability to use automated technology and agency software to maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports, and manipulate data.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional ethics.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective, tactful working relationships, including in stressful situations.
- Willingness to work in the community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency.
- Must provide an email address and complete work history in the application.
- Must receive satisfactory results on required employment checks and screenings.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience working in a Virginia Local Department of Social Services.
- Bilingual ability.
- Experience using VDSS agency software.
- Prior experience determining eligibility for VDSS Energy Assistance Programs and the PIPP program.
Responsibilities
- Interview applicants and recipients to collect information and determine or re-determine eligibility for assistance.
- Explain benefit programs, application processes, client responsibilities and rights, and available services.
- Process applications for financial assistance and diversion, and determine eligibility and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods.
- Review information for consistency and completeness and substantiate its accuracy when needed.
- Calculate assistance plans and determine allowances for special circumstances.
- Interpret applicable program policies and procedures.
- Monitor changes in recipients’ circumstances and adjust benefit levels within program guidelines.
- Evaluate clients’ employability and explore potential sources of income.
- Assess client situations and refer clients to service workers, social workers, or other agencies as appropriate.
- Prepare reports and maintain client records.
- Identify possible fraud and make appropriate referrals.
- Identify discernible social problems and refer clients to Social Workers.
- Provide information about related social services, including employment, child support, and child care services.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
