Benefits Program Specialist I/II
About The Position
Benefits Program Specialist I is an entry-level position in which employees work under close supervision while training to determine eligibility for social services and government assistance programs. Following a supervisor’s recommendation, director approval, and successful completion of the training program, an employee may advance to Benefit Programs Specialist II with a corresponding salary increase under the local department’s compensation plan. Benefits Program Specialist II is the full-performance level. The position determines and re-determines individuals’ and families’ eligibility for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs. Work follows established policies, procedures, and guidelines, while requiring independent judgment in some eligibility decisions, particularly when evaluating social factors. Employees seek supervisory assistance for difficult or unusual situations. The Specialist II level is distinguished from Specialist III, which handles advanced, complex cases and serves as a technical resource for others. The role involves interviewing applicants and recipients, processing applications, explaining programs and rights and responsibilities, evaluating information and employability, calculating benefits, maintaining case records, monitoring changes in circumstances, and making referrals to appropriate services. Applicants must be able to use technology independently and hold a valid Virginia driver’s license. A resume must be submitted with the application for consideration.
Requirements
- High school diploma supplemented by additional training and related work experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Ability to use technology independently.
- Valid Virginia driver’s license.
- Knowledge of basic human behavior, mathematics used to calculate percentages, formulas and averages, and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
- For Specialist II: working knowledge of public service organization practices; economic and basic human behavior; financial assistance programs and eligibility determination; applicable state, local, and federal eligibility requirements, regulations, and policies; mathematics; and interviewing techniques.
- Skill in operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interview and gather information; evaluate and analyze situations; follow written and oral instructions; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness; use automated technology to maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports, and manipulate data; maintain confidentiality; and establish effective working relationships, including under stressful circumstances.
Nice To Haves
- Experience processing Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF.
Responsibilities
- Interview applicants and recipients to collect information and determine or re-determine eligibility for assistance.
- Explain benefit programs, client responsibilities and rights, program availability, and reasons or needs for assistance.
- Process applications for financial assistance and diversion.
- Determine eligibility and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods.
- Evaluate the consistency and completeness of information and substantiate its accuracy when indicated.
- Interpret applicable program policies and procedures.
- Monitor cases for changes in recipient circumstances and adjust benefit levels in accordance with guidelines.
- Evaluate clients’ employability and explore potential sources of income.
- Compute assistance plans and determine allowances for special circumstances, such as household equipment.
- Assess social factors, identify discernible social problems, and refer clients to social workers or service workers as appropriate.
- Identify possible fraud and make appropriate referrals.
- Prepare reports and maintain client records.
- Provide applicants and recipients with information about other agencies and services, including employment, child support, and child care services.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
