Human Services Benefits Program Specialist

Virginia Department of Social Services•Alexandria, VA

1d•$58,323 - $74,406•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Alexandria, a vibrant and diverse community, is seeking a Human Services Benefits Program Specialist to join the Department of Community and Human Services. This department provides essential safety net services to help residents achieve well-being, safety, and self-sufficiency. The role involves determining and re-determining eligibility for various financial assistance and social services programs, requiring independent judgment and adherence to established policies and procedures. The specialist will interpret laws and policies, evaluate social and economic factors influencing eligibility, and provide compassionate services to support self-determination and recovery.

Requirements

Experience in benefit programs.
Experience with computer software and hardware.
Completion of required Benefit Programs training.
Working knowledge of practices of public service organizations.
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 interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.
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, and manipulate data.
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.

Nice To Haves

Two-year college degree in a related field, or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Some work experience using Virginia state systems.
Fluent & Bilingual in both English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Determines and re-determines eligibility of individuals and families for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services' benefit programs.
Interprets and explains policies pertaining to financial assistance programs.
Interprets policies and procedures applicable to various state and federal benefits programs.
Navigates proficiently through various databases (ADAPTRO, Spider, MMIS, SAVE, SVES, APPEC, EPPIC, VACMS, and CommonHelp).
Tracks and complies with state mandates for timeliness and accuracy compliance for all financial assistance programs.
Conducts detailed interviews (telephone or in-person) to gather required information and troubleshoot discrepancies.
Provides excellent customer service, explaining programs, policies, and rights/responsibilities to applicants and recipients.
Gathers and analyzes verification documents for authenticity, validity, and accuracy, referring to fraud as required.
Secures and safeguards confidential information.
Prepares reports and maintains client records.
Identifies and assesses customer needs to make appropriate referrals for services and resources.
Maintains continued client contact to assist with issues and priorities for self-sufficiency.
May support local disaster response/emergency operations.
Assists co-workers and fills in as needed.
Performs related work as required.