Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services • Covington, VA

4d

About The Position

The Benefit Programs Specialist I/II role involves determining eligibility for various social services government assistance programs. The Specialist I is an entry-level position where employees are trained under close supervision. Upon successful completion of training and supervisor recommendation, they are reclassified to Benefit Programs Specialist II, performing duties independently and exercising judgment according to agency practices and mandated laws. The Specialist II is the full-performance level, responsible for determining and re-determining eligibility for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs. This role requires independent judgment, especially concerning social factors influencing eligibility, with supervisory assistance sought only for difficult or unusual situations. The Specialist II is distinguished from a higher-level role by not performing advanced technical work or serving as a technical resource for complex cases.

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.
• 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.

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 the consistency and completeness of secured data and substantiates its accuracy where indicated.
• 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 the employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.

What This Job Offers

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