Benefits Program Specialist I/II

Arlington County VA•Arlington, VA

23d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Human Services is hiring a Benefits Program Specialist to determine eligibility for individuals and families seeking complex federal, state, and local financial assistance programs. The role involves reviewing applications, interviewing clients, and collecting information to assess eligibility. It includes substantial client contact by phone and in person, along with frequent coordination with internal and external sources to collect, confirm, and verify information. Services are provided to individuals and families from diverse cultural backgrounds, including people with limited English fluency. The position may be filled at the I or II level depending on qualifications. The official position title is DHS Benefits Program Specialist I/II. The role is within the Public Assistance Bureau and/or Housing Assistance Bureau; current vacancies are in the Public Assistance Bureau. Some telework may be available depending on workload and supervisor approval.

Requirements

For BPS I: Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or another directly related field, plus one year of full-time experience in eligibility determination, employment, interviewing, social work, casework, or other closely related work. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the education requirement.
For BPS II: Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or another directly related field; one year of full-time experience in eligibility determination, employment, interviewing, social work, casework, or other closely related work; and one additional year of full-time experience determining eligibility for financial assistance, medical assistance, SNAP, or closely related public assistance programs within the Commonwealth of Virginia, including proficiency with VaCMS and application of state benefit-eligibility regulations and requirements. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the education requirement.
BPS I hires must complete specified VaCMS trainings within 12 months of hire; BPS II hires must complete them before the start date.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for communicating with people with varied backgrounds, experience, language capabilities, and needs.
Flexibility to accommodate frequent changes in policy, regulations, and casework needs.
Ability to organize and analyze information, with mathematical computation skills.
Must possess or obtain by appointment a valid motor vehicle operator’s license from the applicant’s place of residence, or be able and willing to use alternative transportation for duties at locations other than the primary worksite.
Selected candidates must complete a Virginia Central Registry check and a pre-hire background check. The background check may include criminal and driving records, education, professional licensure, and credit history; a release may be required.

Nice To Haves

Recent experience (within two years of the application date) using the Virginia Public Welfare System to apply state regulations and requirements in determining benefit eligibility.
Experience determining eligibility for SNAP, Medical Assistance (including Long Term Care), financial assistance, or other closely related public assistance programs.
Working knowledge of Virginia automated systems, including VACMS, VAMMIS, and other eligibility determination systems.
Experience summarizing data using MS Excel.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Evaluate clients’ social and financial circumstances in depth.
Search automated database systems to identify services previously provided.
Explain eligibility programs, including SNAP, Medical Assistance, and TANF, as well as program parameters and clients’ rights and responsibilities.
Refer clients to additional services to help meet their needs.
Interpret complex regulations and changing policies and procedures to issue timely, accurate benefits.
Connect childcare families with vendors and providers.
Complete childcare case service plans, including establishing the need for childcare services.
Provide consumer education to help parents make informed childcare choices.
Collect, confirm, and verify client information through contact with clients and internal and external sources.