Benefit Programs Specialist I/II
Virginia Dept of Social Services – Local Posted on 2022-11-18
| Salary | $34,528 a year |
|---|---|
| Location | Virginia |
| Type | Full-time |
Job Description
Benefit Program Specialist II represents the full performance level in the Benefit Programs Specialist occupational group. Employees’ responsibilities are related to the determination and re-determination of eligibility of individuals and families for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and for other social services’ benefit programs. The work is performed within established policies, procedures and guidelines, but certain aspects of eligibility determination require independent judgment, especially as related to evaluation of social factors influencing eligibility. Employees seek supervisory help for difficult or unusual situations only.
Duties include but not limited to: interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and redetermines 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; Determines the amount of allowances for special circumstance items such as household equipment; 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 child care services.
Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.
High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Completion of required Benefit Programs training.
Experience with agency related software.
The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
Employee must be willing to work in community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website.
Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and résumés will not be accepted.
This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.
Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume.
Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application and this position.
Company description:
confidential
Follow us