Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Orange, VA

7d • $32,415 - $54,500

About The Position

The Benefit Programs Specialist I/II role involves determining and re-determining eligibility for various social services government assistance programs. The I level is an entry-level position requiring training and close supervision, while the II level is a full-performance level where employees independently handle eligibility duties, applying agency practices, procedures, and mandated laws. Responsibilities include conducting interviews, explaining program details, processing applications, evaluating data, computing assistance plans, determining allowances for special circumstances, evaluating social factors, and assessing client employability and income sources. The position requires knowledge of human behavior, mathematics for calculations, and interviewing techniques. Skills include proficiency with personal computers and associated software. Abilities encompass effective oral and written communication, interviewing, information gathering, situation evaluation, data analysis, applying common sense, exercising sound judgment, using automated technology for case management, maintaining confidentiality, and establishing positive working relationships.

Requirements

• High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• 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.
• 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 using regulations and guidelines.
• Experience providing customer service to the public including the ability to interview and gather information.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software to research, scan and retrieve data, create and manipulate reports to establish, process, and maintain case records.
• High school diploma supplemented with experience in benefit programs and completion of required Benefit Programs training or any equivalent combination of training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines their continuing eligibility.
• Explains the nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance.
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; explains client responsibilities, rights, and program availability.
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated, substantiates its accuracy.
• Computes assistance plans.
• Determines the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items.
• Evaluates social factors such as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning.
• Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.

Benefits

• Criminal History Background search
• Central Registry search
• DMV/driving record check
• Pre-employment drug/alcohol screen
• Fingerprint checks
• Employment verification/references
• Credit checks (relevant to employment)
• Other checks requested by the hiring authority
• Willingness to work in community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

What This Job Offers

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