Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking a Benefit Programs Specialist I to learn eligibility determinations under close supervision, gaining hands-on training in various social services programs.

Upon successful training, employees may advance to Benefit Programs Specialist II, performing independent eligibility decisions and following agency guidelines.

This entry-level role emphasizes accuracy, ethics, and strong communication with clients and partners.

Qualifications

• High school diploma plus related training and experience or equivalent.
• Preferred: experience with VDSS programs and systems (VaCMS, MMIS, SPIDeR).
• Degree in Human Services or related field, or degree with human services experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines ongoing eligibility.
• Explain temporary assistance programs and determine need for assistance.
• Process applications for financial assistance and diversion; explain client responsibilities, rights and program availability.
• Evaluate consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiate its accuracy.
• Compute assistance plans.
• Determine the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items.
• Evaluate social factors such as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning; and
• Evaluate employability of clients and explore potential sources of income.

Skills

Interviewing

Communication

Data analysis

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field (preferred)

Tools

VaCMS

MMIS

SPIDeR

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.

Title Description-

Benefit Programs Specialist II represents the full-performance level in the Benefit Programs Specialist occupational group. Employees’ responsibilities are related to the determination and re-determination of eligibility of individuals and families for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and for other social services’ benefit programs. The work is performed within established policies, procedures and guidelines, but certain aspects of eligibility determination require independent judgment, especially as related to evaluation of social factors influencing eligibility. Employees seek supervisory help for difficult or unusual situations only. The Benefit Programs Specialist II is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist III by the latter’s performing advanced technical work requiring depth and breadth of knowledge to understand, analyze and act on complex cases. Also, the Benefit Programs Specialist III serves as a technical resource for others regarding social services’ eligibility programs.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Training and/or experience in benefits programs, Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare Program, Childcare Program, Virginia Automated Case Management System, and/or experience working in a Local Department of Social Services.

Degree in Human Services or related field or a degree in any field with related human services experience.

Prefer prior experience working in Virginia Benefit Programs offered by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS).

Prefer work experience with VDSS systems to include VaCMS, MMIS, SPIDeR.

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), 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 the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.