Benefit Programs Specialist I/II (Cumberland)

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Virginia; On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cumberland Department of Social Services seeks an entry-level Benefit Programs Specialist I with training in determining eligibility for various social services. The role involves assisting clients under supervision, progressing to II with demonstrated judgment and independent work following policy, law, and procedures.

Responsibilities include interviewing clients, explaining programs, processing applications, and evaluating data to determine and adjust benefits while maintaining

Qualifications

• Entry level position with training in determining eligibility for social services.
• Requires ability to follow agency policies and federal/state laws.
• Resume and references required; willingness to work in community shelter during disasters.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews to determine eligibility for financial assistance and re-determination of eligibility.
• Explain temporary assistance programs and determine need for assistance.
• Process applications for financial assistance and other benefits and explain client responsibilities.
• Evaluate data accuracy and completeness, compute assistance plans.
• Assess social factors such as education and work experience affecting eligibility; evaluate employability.

Skills

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma

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.

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

Resume Required.

Three References Required.

Cumberland Department of Social Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.