Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services; Alabama; On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking an entry-level Benefit Programs Specialist I to learn eligibility determination for various social service programs under close supervision. After training and supervisor approval, position advances toward full performance.

The role emphasizes client interviews, data collection, and accurate processing of applications, with a focus on program rules and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of human behavior and mathematics to calculate percentages and averages.
• Interview techniques and data collection skills.
• Ability to use and navigate office software and databases.
• Strong written and oral communication; maintain confidentiality and professional ethics.
• Education requirement: high school diploma plus related training/experience.

Responsibilities

• Conducts interviews to determine eligibility for assistance.
• Explains temporary assistance programs and eligibility requirements.
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; explains responsibilities and rights.
• Evaluates data accuracy and completeness; substantiates it where needed.
• Computes assistance plans and determines allowances for special items.
• Evaluates education, work experience, and employability of clients.
• Maintains case records and reports; uses automated systems.

Skills

Personal computer

Office software

Education

High school diploma and related training

Job description

Title Description-

Benefit Programs Specialist I represents the entry level in the occupational group for employees working under close supervision while being trained in determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs. Upon recommendation by the supervisor, approval by the director, and successful completion of the training program, the employee shall be redefined to full-performance

Benefit Programs Specialist II with a corresponding salary increase as indicated by the local department’s compensation plan. Benefit Programs Specialist I is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist II by the latter’s performing all the assigned eligibility duties independently and making judgments following agency practices and procedures and mandated federal, state, or local laws and policies.

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) –

• Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines their continuing eligibility;
• Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance;
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability;
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy;
• Computes assistance plans;
• Determines the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items;
• Evaluates such social factors as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning; and
• Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge-

Some knowledge of: basic human behavior; 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; 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.

Education and Experience-

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.

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), and other checks requested by the hiring authority. This position is covered under Code of Virginia 63.2-1601.1 or 63.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings. Employees must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.