Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Stuart (VA); Presencial; USD 34.000 - 48.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking an entry level Benefit Programs Specialist I to learn under supervision while training to determine eligibility for various social services programs. Upon successful completion, you will be reassigned to Benefit Programs Specialist II with a salary increase per the department's compensation plan.

The role emphasizes interviewing, data collection, and applying relevant laws and policies to determine client eligibility and benefits.

Formación

• Interviews clients to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines ongoing eligibility.
• Effective oral and written communication with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to analyze information, exercise judgment and maintain confidentiality.

Responsabilidades

• Conducts interviews to determine eligibility and reassess ongoing eligibility.
• Explains temporary assistance programs and reasons for need for assistance.
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; explains client responsibilities and rights.
• Evaluates data for completeness and accuracy; substantiates when needed.
• Calculates assistance plans and determines allowances for special items.
• Assesses social factors and employability to determine income sources.

Conocimientos

Interviewing

Communication

Data evaluation

Judgment and discretion

Educación

High school diploma

Herramientas

Case management software

Office software

Descripción del empleo

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

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.