Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) – 

• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and re-determines their continuing eligibility. 
• Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and 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.
• Computes assistance plans.
• Identifies clearly discernible social problems and makes referrals to Social Workers. 
• Provides applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services as needed.
• Explains a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services and childcare services.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge- Working knowledge of: practices of public service organizations; economic and basic human behavior; financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits; eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outlined by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.

Skills- Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.

Abilities- Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone; interview, gather information, re-evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals; determine a client’s ownership share in situations; make mathematical computations; analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; 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; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; and 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.

Education and Experience- Same as required in Benefit Program Specialist I with 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.

Preferred Qualifications: Training and/or experience in benefits programs, Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare Program, Childcare Program, Virginia Automated Case Management System, and/or experience working in a Local Department of Social Services.

Degree in Human Services or related field or a degree in any field with related human services experience.

Prefer prior experience working in Virginia Benefit Programs offered by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS).

Prefer work experience with VDSS systems to include VaCMS, MMIS, SPIDeR

Special Requirements- Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen. The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings. Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.