Benefit Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• High school diploma, supplemented by additional education and experience in benefit programs, or a combination of education and financial or related human services experience.
• Working knowledge of public service organization practices, economics and basic human behavior, financial assistance programs, and State, Local, and Federal regulations, guidelines, and policies governing social services eligibility.
• Proficiency applying mathematical concepts, including percentages, formulas, and averages, to eligibility calculations.
• Interviewing skills, including effective data collection, verification, and investigative inquiry.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and associated office and agency software.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a wide range of people, including customers, employers, court personnel, and medical professionals, in person and by telephone.
• Ability to conduct interviews, gather and verify information, reassess client circumstances, make referrals, and determine ownership shares where applicable.
• Ability to analyze information, identify missing or inconsistent data from multiple sources, and apply sound judgment and common-sense understanding to written and oral instructions.
• Ability to use automated systems and technologies to maintain case records and access or manipulate data related to estates, retirement accounts, real estate, and reports.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, adhere to professional ethics, and exercise discretion, tact, resourcefulness, and sound judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and maintain a positive, professional demeanor in stressful situations.
• Valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Virginia; driving record must meet agency requirements.
• Willingness to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
• Applicants must submit an application, resume, and references electronically through the website; a resume and complete work history are required.
• Satisfactory results of required background checks and screening are a condition of offers.

Nice To Haves

• Prior work experience in financial assistance programs sufficient to determine or re-determine eligibility for benefits.
• Prior work experience in benefit programs.
• Experience using computer software and hardware.
• Completion of required Benefit Programs training.

Responsibilities

• Determine and re-determine eligibility for TANF, SNAP, Medical Assistance, Energy Assistance, and other social services benefit programs.
• Interview individuals and families seeking assistance; collect and verify required information.
• Evaluate ongoing eligibility and assess social, environmental, and client circumstances that may affect eligibility.
• Explain available benefit programs and assess needs and reasons for requesting assistance.
• Make appropriate referrals and perform related duties as assigned.
• Assist in providing emergency shelter services as mandated, including working in the community emergency shelter during a natural disaster or emergency.
• Determine ownership shares in applicable situations and perform eligibility calculations.
• Use automated systems and technologies to establish and maintain case records; access and manipulate relevant data.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional relationships with applicants, recipients, partner agencies, colleagues, and the public.