Eligibility Specialist

Virginia Department of Social Services•Williamsburg, VA

About The Position

Responsible for performing a range of eligibility functions that pertain to Virginia Department of Social Services Benefit Programs, including intakes, ongoing reviews, and referrals to other services. Benefit Programs include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP], Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families [TANF], VIEW, Energy Assistance. Other programs as assigned may include Long-term Care, Auxiliary Grants [AG], Child Care and Fraud Prevention. All positions are cross-trained, as needed, and workers may assume coordinating responsibilities.

Requirements

Knowledge and understanding of public service organizations, economic and basic human behavior issues, and financial assistance programs at federal and state levels
Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs
Skills in math and computation, with high degree of accuracy
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, individuals with disabilities, and elderly populations, both in person and on phone
Ability to understand, interpret, and implement policies in a timely and accurate fashion
Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems
Ability to operate computers for data entry, word processing and/or accounting purposes
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, and employers.
Ability to interview, to gather information, re-evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals
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
Experience in benefit programs, use of computer softwEare and hardware, and completion of required Benefit Programs training OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Valid Virginia Driver’s License or obtain within 90 days.
Acceptable Criminal history, Child protective services and DMV background checks

Nice To Haves

Strong background in accounting
Prior work experience in financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/redetermine eligibility for benefits to include Long Term Services and Support program, Aged Blind Disabled and Auxiliary Grants.
Spanish, bi-lingual, skills with a competency to translate benefit program details.

Responsibilities

Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and re-determines their continuing eligibility
Explains benefit programs and evaluates the need for assistance
Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods
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; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability
Refers clients to service worker as the result of overall assessment of situation; prepares reports and maintains client records
Identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals; evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy
Explains programs and rights/responsibilities of applicants and recipients
Explores other possible sources of income and computes assistance
Determines the amount of allowances for special circumstance items such as household equipment.
Case Management for SNAP and Medicaid programs. Processes renewals and interims, explain a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services and childcare services.
Responsible for emergency duties including shelter duty or Emergency Operations Center staffing, in the event of a disaster, and services on a rotating duty roster for the duration of the event.