Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Stanley, VA

1d • $32,415

About The Position

The Benefit Programs Specialist I/II role involves determining and re-determining eligibility for various social services and government assistance programs. The Specialist I is an entry-level position focused on training under close supervision, while the Specialist II performs these duties independently, applying judgment within established policies and laws. Responsibilities include conducting interviews, explaining program details, processing applications, evaluating data, computing assistance plans, and assessing social factors influencing eligibility and employability. The role requires knowledge of human behavior, mathematics, and interviewing techniques, along with proficiency in computer operations and strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. A high school diploma supplemented with related training and experience, or an equivalent combination, is required.

Requirements

• Some knowledge of basic human behavior
• Some knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems
• Some 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
• Demonstrated ability to interview, gather information, and evaluate situations
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information
• Demonstrated ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions
• Demonstrated ability to use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations
• 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

Responsibilities

• Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines their continuing eligibility
• Explains 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 such social factors as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning
• Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED