Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking a Benefit Programs Specialist I to assist individuals and families in accessing essential benefits. This role requires strong organizational and customer service skills, as well as the ability to navigate automated systems for benefits processing. Ideal candidates should possess a high school diploma and have some knowledge of human behavior and interviewing techniques.

Responsibilities include interviewing applicants, processing applications, and monitoring client cases. Applicants must be willing to undergo a criminal background check and be prepared to work in emergency situations if necessary.

Qualifications

• High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience.
• Some knowledge of basic human behavior and interviewing techniques.
• Mathematical skills to calculate percentages and averages.

Responsibilities

• Interview persons for assistance and determine their eligibility.
• Process financial assistance applications and determine benefit levels.
• Monitor cases for changes and make appropriate adjustments to benefits.
• Prepare reports and maintain client records.

Skills

Organizational skills

Detail-oriented

Customer service

Mathematics

Interviewing techniques

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Rappahannock County Department of Social Services is seeking an organized, detail-oriented individual who is eager to learn and build a career in the human services field and join our team as a Benefit Programs Specialist I. The successful candidate will be comfortable navigating technology, managing multiple priorities, and providing excellent customer service in a challenging and meaningful role that helps individuals and families access essential benefits and services.

Rappahannock County is a rural county in the northern region of Virginia with a population of about 7,400. The agency office is in the town of Washington, Virginia, approximately 120 miles northwest of Richmond and 65 miles southwest of Washington, DC. The town is surrounded by the beautiful Blueridge Mountains and rolling farmlands.

General work tasks include but are not limited to:

• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and re-determines 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 needed 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
• Explores other possible sources of income
• Provides applicants or clients with information about other agencies where they may obtain services as needed
• Explains a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services, and childcare services.
• Maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a local department of social services.
• Experience in working in electronic systems for purposes of researching and/or processing information to produce a specific output.
• Demonstrated success in participating in an on-line learning system.
• Work/volunteer experience with a community-based human services organization.

Special Requirements

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal Background search, central registry (CPS) search, DMV (driving record) 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. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of required checks and screenings.

Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter, in alternative location to office, or in an alternative work schedule, in the event of a natural disaster or other locally declared emergency.