Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services; Bristol (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking an entry-level Benefit Programs Specialist I. This role trains under supervision to determine eligibility for various social services programs and supports the transition to full performance after training.

The position involves interviewing clients, explaining program details, processing financial assistance applications, and evaluating data accuracy while maintaining confidentiality and professional ethics.

Qualifications

• High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience.
• Equivalent combination of training and experience providing required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conducts interviews to determine eligibility for assistance.
• Explains benefit programs and determines need for assistance.
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; explains client responsibilities and program availability.
• Evaluates data accuracy and consistency; substantiates its accuracy.

Skills

Interviewing

Data collection

Communication (oral & written)

Analytical thinking

Education

High school diploma

Related training/experience

Tools

Office software

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 IIas 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:

Must be willing and able to staff emergency shelter during natural disasters and weather events.