Benefits Program Specialist I/II

Arlington County Government•Arlington, VA

2h•$71,802 - $116,854•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is hiring a Benefits Program Specialist to determine eligibility for individuals and families seeking complex federal, state, and local financial assistance programs. The specialist reviews applications, interviews clients, and collects and verifies information needed to determine eligibility. The position involves substantial contact with clients by phone and in person, as well as frequent coordination with internal and external sources. Services are provided to people from diverse cultural backgrounds, including those with limited English fluency. The role may be filled at the I or II level, depending on qualifications. The position is eligible for some telework, subject to workload and supervisor approval. Current vacancies are in the Public Assistance Bureau, and the announcement may also be used to fill future vacancies in that bureau or the Housing Assistance Bureau. Arlington County DHS delivers services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Staff are expected to demonstrate sensitivity and awareness of factors affecting client experience, including cultural identity, gender, racial and ethnic diversity, religion or spirituality, physical and cognitive capabilities, literacy, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or another directly related field, or qualifying additional experience substituted for the education requirement.
For BPS I: one year of full-time experience in eligibility determination, employment, interviewing, social work, casework, or closely related work.
For BPS II: one year of full-time experience in eligibility determination, employment, interviewing, social work, casework, or closely related work, plus one additional year of full-time experience determining eligibility for financial assistance, medical assistance, SNAP, or other closely related public assistance programs within Virginia. This additional experience must include proficiency with VaCMS and applying state regulations and requirements to determine benefit eligibility.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for working with people with varied backgrounds, experience, language capabilities, and needs.
Flexibility in responding to frequent changes in policy, regulations, and casework needs.
Ability to organize and analyze information and perform mathematical computations.
For BPS I, complete the listed VaCMS trainings within 12 months of hire; for BPS II, complete them before the start date.
Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license from the place of residence by appointment, or be able and willing to use alternative transportation for assigned duties at locations other than the primary worksite. If holding or obtaining a license, provide or authorize access to the official driving record; an employment offer may depend on a favorable review.
Complete a pre-hire background check and a State of Virginia Central Registry check.

Nice To Haves

Recent experience (within two years of the application date) determining benefit eligibility under Virginia regulations using the Virginia Public Welfare System.
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 English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

Evaluate clients’ social and financial circumstances in depth.
Search automated database systems to identify services previously provided.
Explain SNAP, Medical Assistance, and TANF programs, including program parameters and clients’ rights and responsibilities.
Refer clients to additional services that may meet their needs.
Interpret complex regulations and frequently changing policies and procedures to issue benefits accurately and promptly.
Connect childcare families with vendors and providers.
Complete childcare service plans, including establishing the need for childcare services.
Provide consumer education to help parents make informed childcare choices.
Review applications, conduct client interviews, and collect, confirm, and verify information needed to determine program eligibility.