Benefit Programs Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services seeks a Benefits Programs Specialist II to build on a strong foundation as a Benefits Programs Specialist I. The role focuses on eligibility determinations, program explanations, and accurate case documentation while engaging with clients and community partners.

Responsibilities include interviewing applicants, processing applications, and using automated systems to determine benefit levels.

Qualifications

• Experience interviewing applicants and determining eligibility for benefits.
• Ability to explain benefit programs and rights to applicants and recipients.
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate case records and documentation.
• Knowledge of state and federal benefit guidelines and policies.
• Ability to use automated systems to determine/adjust benefits and to identify potential fraud.

Responsibilities

• Registers applications for government programs and schedules initial interviews.
• Interviews clients, collects information, and makes eligibility determinations.
• Explains programs, eligibility requirements, and referrals to services.
• Processes applications for financial assistance and determines benefit levels.
• Maintains case records, prepares program reports, and monitors changes in recipient circumstances.
• Represents the agency in the community and participates in outreach activities.
• May perform home visits and staff emergency shelters as needed.

Skills

Interviews and eligibility

Case documentation

Program knowledge

Customer relations

Data verification

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Benefit Programs Specialist II designation is based on an employee’s sustained ability to satisfactorily perform all the duties of a Benefit Programs Specialist I, with a degree of accuracy and consistency that is commensurate with their experience. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may also be assigned.

• Completes required State and in-house training on various government programs
• Registers applications for various government programs, executes system searches and schedules initial interviews
• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and makes eligibility determinations
• Engages client in a positive working relationship
• Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance, as well as other Social Service programs
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion. Accurately determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods within established deadlines
• 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 employment status of clients and explores potential sources of income
• Organizes and maintains accurate client case records, ensures thorough documentation and prepares program reports as applicable
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, verifies its accuracy, identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals
• Explains programs and rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients
• Provides applicants or recipients with information about other community resources and makes referrals
• Makes referrals to Services unit for cases where abuse or neglect issues arise
• Makes home visits as needed
• Completes casework with increasing independence, reviewing applicable policy for guidance prior to seeking out Supervision in only the most complex situations
• Seeks out and completes supplementary training in core program areas
• Represents the agency in the community via outreach activities and external community meetings
• Works assigned shift(s) to set up and staff emergency shelters should Winchester declare a state of emergency
• Contributes to a positive work environment

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

A newly hired employee may begin work in the Benefit Programs Specialist II position if that employee has met all the same qualifications for promotion; specifically, one year of sustained satisfactory performance as a Benefit Program Specialist I or similar position in a government social services agency, thorough knowledge of benefit programs, and demonstrated independent judgment.

Education and/or Experience:

Same as required in Benefit Program Specialist I with experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefit Programs training OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Possession of a valid and appropriate driver’s license. Must complete mandatory state training including Medicaid and SNAP. Additional program trainings may be required.

Language Skills:

Ability to read and comprehend. Ability to speak and communicate effectively using correct English. Bilingual English-Spanish preferred.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Working knowledge of practices of public service organizations; economic and basic human behavior; financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits; eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outlined by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone; interview, gather information, evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals; determine a client’s ownership share in situations; analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate; understanding of reports and ability to manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Required Physical Activities

Requires light physical effort working almost exclusively with lightweight materials (up to 25 pounds) including but not limited to walking, talking, stooping, kneeling, light lifting, bending, reaching and gripping.

Vision Requirements

Minimum requirements set by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Environmental Conditions

Work is conducted indoors and outdoors under variable weather conditions. Face to face contact with the general public is considerable. Some travel required.