Human Services Benefits Program Specialist

Virginia Department of Social Services•Alexandria, VA

7d•$26 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Alexandria's Department of Community and Human Services is seeking a Human Services Benefits Program Specialist. This role is crucial in providing essential safety net services to help city residents achieve well-being, safety, and self-sufficiency. The department offers compassionate behavioral health programs that support self-determination and recovery. The City of Alexandria is described as a diverse, resilient, and historic place to live, work, and play, with a vibrant community and unique attractions.

Requirements

High school Diploma with additional related work experience in benefit programs, use of computer software 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.
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 interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.
Demonstrated ability to analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps.
Demonstrated ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions.
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 which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Some experience using Virginia state systems.
Some working knowledge of financial assistance program sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits.

Responsibilities

Determine and re-determine eligibility of individuals and families for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services' benefit programs.
Interpret and explain policies pertaining to financial assistance programs.
Navigate proficiently through various databases (Spider, MMIS, SAVE, SVES, APECS, EPPIC, VACMS, and CommonHelp).
Track and comply with state mandates for timeliness and accuracy compliance for all financial assistance programs.
Conduct detailed interviews on the telephone or in person to gather required information and troubleshoot discrepancies.
Provide excellent customer service, including explaining programs, policies, and rights and responsibilities to applicants and recipients.
Gather and analyze verification documents received for authenticity, validity, and accuracy, and make referrals to fraud as required.
Secure and safeguard confidential information from applicants, recipients, and federal reports.
Prepare reports and maintain client records.
Identify and assess customer needs to make appropriate referrals for services and resources to community organizations, mental health, employment, and Social Security Administration.
Maintain continued client contact throughout the year to assist clients with a multitude of issues and priorities for their self-sufficiency.
May be required to support local disaster response/emergency operations and other duties related to the delivery of services.
Assist co-workers and fill in as needed.
Perform related work as required.