Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement (VRS)

Paid Time Off

12 holidays per year

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Wellness Memberships

Direct Deposit

AFLAC

Visa Credit Union Membership

Tele-working after training (up to 3 d

Job summary

Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District seeks an entry-level Benefit Programs Specialist I to determine eligibility for social services and assist with program applications. You will interview individuals, verify data, and explain program requirements.

The role emphasizes accuracy, confidentiality, and the ability to work under supervision while training in eligibility procedures and compliance. A strong foundation in math, data entry, and client communication is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with additional training or related work experience.
• Ability to interview, gather information, and evaluate situations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience using office software and maintaining case records.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines ongoing eligibility.
• Explain program rights, responsibilities, and available benefits; process applications.
• Evaluate data for completeness and accuracy; prepare and adjust assistance plans.

Skills

Interviewing

Communication

Data collection

Analytical thinking

VACMS familiarity

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

High school diploma

Job description

BPSI Job posting

Harrisonburg City and County of Rockingham are some of the best places to live in Virginia. Living in the Harrisonburg/Rockingham area offers residents both a rural and suburban feel. The area has lots of restaurants, parks, entertainment and access to James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite Universities, Bridgewater College, Blue Ridge Community College for entertainment activities and continuous learning. Harrisonburg/Rockingham has the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking and the Shenandoah River for water adventures.

The Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District administers a wide variety of programs and services that assist children, youth, adults, and families, individuals with disabilities, and older adults with basic supports and medical needs as well as services to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

All services are delivered under state and federal mandates or under local initiatives that seek to improve family stability, help families achieve safe and affordable housing, and increase self-sufficiency. Our Vison is better health, safety, and well-being for all. Our mission is people helping people triumph over poverty, abuse, and neglect to shape futures for themselves, their families and communities.

Post Conditional Offer Contingencies

Successful candidate will undergo a criminal history, CPS, and DMV check and possess a valid driver’s license.

Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District full time employees are eligible for full benefits through Rockingham County, including but not limited to the following as a part of total rewards package!

Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)

Paid Time Off (accumulate 12 hours per month)

Annual Paid Holidays (observe 12 per year)

Group Health Plan

Group Life Insurance

Group Dental Insurance

Group Vision Insurance

Wellness Memberships

Direct Deposit

AFLAC

Exceptional Performance Recognition

Virginia Credit Union Membership

Tele-working available upon successful completion of training and probation (up to 3 days per week)

Salary Range $37,277-$69,301

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.

Job Description:

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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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.

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; meet deadlines, plan,organize and prioritize tasks; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations and analyze, interpret and apply complex federal, state law and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent supplemented with additional training

and related work experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Working knowledge of financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits; prefer completion of requiredBenefit Programs training and experience with agency related software.

Prefer bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Considerable knowledge and use of automated eligibility systems, particularly the Virginia Case Management System (VACMS).

Special Requirements:

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and must be able to meet agency insurance policy standards. 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 community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

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.

Contact Information

Name:Marie Hopkins

Phone:[phone]

Email:[e-mail]

Address:Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District 110 North Mason Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802