Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Accomac, VA

10h•$16 - $21

About The Position

This position may be filled as either a Benefit Programs Specialist I or II, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. The Benefit Programs Specialist I is an entry-level role where employees are trained under close supervision to determine eligibility for various social services government assistance programs. Upon successful completion of training and supervisor recommendation, the employee is redefined to Benefit Programs Specialist II with a salary increase. The Benefit Programs Specialist II performs all eligibility duties independently, making judgments based on agency practices, procedures, and mandated laws. The Benefit Programs Specialist II represents 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 work requires independent judgment, especially in evaluating social factors influencing eligibility, with supervisory assistance sought only for difficult or unusual situations. The Benefit Programs Specialist II is distinguished from a higher-level role by the latter's performance of advanced technical work on complex cases.

Requirements

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.
Working knowledge of eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outlined by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies.
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.
Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a broad spectrum of individuals.
Demonstrated ability to interview, gather information, re-evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals.
Demonstrated ability to determine a client’s ownership share in situations.
Demonstrated ability to make mathematical computations.
Demonstrated ability to analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps.
Demonstrated ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
Demonstrated ability to use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, reports, and manipulate data.
Demonstrated ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public 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.
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.
Teamwork, communication skills and organizational skills required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in benefit programs.
Experience with computer software and hardware.
Completion of required Benefit Programs training.
Working knowledge of financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits.
Completion of required Benefit Programs training.
Experience working with agency related software.

Responsibilities

Conduct 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.
Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various programs.
Monitors cases for changes in recipient circumstances and implements changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines.
Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential sources of income.
Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy.
Refers clients to a service worker as the result of an overall assessment of the situation.
Prepares reports and maintains client records.
Identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals.
Explains programs and rights/responsibilities of applicants and recipients.
Explores other possible sources of income.
Computes assistance plans.
Determines the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items.
Identifies clearly discernible social problems and makes referrals to Social Workers.
Provides applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services as needed.
Explains a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services, and child care services.
Evaluates social factors such as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning.
Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.