Benefit Programs Specialist I/II
About The Position
Shenandoah County Social Services is hiring for the Benefit Programs Specialist I/II occupational group. The Specialist I is an entry-level position in which employees work under close supervision while training to determine eligibility for social services government assistance programs. Upon supervisor recommendation, director approval, and successful completion of training, the employee may advance to the full-performance Specialist II level with a corresponding salary increase under the local department’s compensation plan. Specialist II employees perform eligibility duties independently and make judgments in accordance with agency practices, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and policies. The role is distinguished from Specialist III, which involves advanced technical work on complex cases and serving as a technical resource for others. The position determines and redetermines individuals’ and families’ eligibility for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs. Work follows established policies, procedures, and guidelines, while requiring independent judgment in evaluating social factors affecting eligibility. Employees seek supervisory assistance for difficult or unusual situations. Shenandoah County Social Services describes its environment as positive, strength-based, and flexible, and emphasizes employee wellness, professional development, advocacy, and collaboration with the people served.
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 public service organization practices, economics and basic human behavior, financial assistance programs, and social-services eligibility requirements under state, local, and federal guidelines, regulations, and policies.
- Working knowledge of mathematics for calculating percentages, formulas, and averages, and interviewing techniques for data collection and investigation.
- Skill operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a broad range of people, including customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals, in person and by phone.
- Ability to interview clients, gather information, reassess client circumstances, and make referrals.
- Ability to determine a client’s ownership share, perform mathematical computations, and analyze information from multiple sources to identify missing information and gaps.
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions and use automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data, prepare reports, and manipulate data.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional ethics, exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness, and draw logical conclusions.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants, recipients, public and private agencies, associates, and the public, including under stressful circumstances.
- For the Specialist II level, experience in benefit programs and computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefit Programs training, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Responsibilities
- Interview applicants and recipients, obtain necessary information, and redetermine continuing eligibility.
- Explain benefit programs, applicant and recipient rights and responsibilities, and reasons for and needs related to assistance.
- Process applications for financial assistance and diversion, determine eligibility and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods, and compute assistance plans.
- Interpret policies and procedures applicable to benefit programs.
- Monitor cases for changes in recipients’ circumstances and update benefit levels in accordance with guidelines.
- Evaluate clients’ employability status and explore potential sources of income.
- Refer clients to service workers or social workers based on assessments and discernible social problems.
- Prepare reports and maintain client records.
- Identify possible fraud and make appropriate referrals; evaluate the consistency and completeness of information and substantiate its accuracy when indicated.
- Determine allowances for special-circumstance items such as household equipment.
- Provide information about other agencies and 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
