Benefit Programs Specialist II (Albemarle)

New LHRC External Career Site; Charlottesville (VA); Remote; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Albemarle County is seeking an Eligibility Worker to perform professional casework and manage a benefits caseload within a team-oriented environment. The role emphasizes equitable service, data accuracy, and adherence to quality standards while supporting the county’s mission and client families.

The position includes handling eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and related programs, with remote work options and a daily commitment to addressing clients’ needs through a holistic approach.

Qualifications

• Interviews applicants/recipients using appropriate techniques.
• Time management and caseload planning.
• Knowledge of public social services and related programs.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants/recipients and determine eligibility for benefits.
• Use automated and manual methods to determine ongoing eligibility and benefits.
• Explain programs, rights, responsibilities, and community resources to clients.
• Maintain records and ensure data integrity in line with policy.
• Respond to appeals and prepare summaries; participate in hearings.
• Collaborate in team meetings and training opportunities.
• Suggest policy or procedural improvements based on experience.

Skills

Interviewing

Time management

Public social service knowledge

Mathematics

Data collection

Team collaboration

Confidentiality

Computer skills

Attention to detail

Reporting/writing

Organization

Prioritization

Effective communication

Planning

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Case management software

Job description

The Eligibility Worker practices responsible, equitable, and professional community casework and case management in an inclusive team environment. Provides outstanding customer service delivery using a holistic approach to achieve customer satisfaction. Responsible with other team members for planning and
implementing team goals. In addition, performs responsible professional and technical work involving management of a benefits program caseload, respecting the broader need of individual clients and their families. Commitment to County, Department and unit goals, as well as the agency's Quality Customer Service Standards. As an organization, ACDSS is committed to building a diverse team of contributors who believe and work from the foundation of our core values of equity and inclusion, hope, respect, opportunity, and self-determination. Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience and internal equity.

Essential Functions:

• Interviews applicants/recipients, adapting techniques to meet the needs/abilities of the client;
• Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods; processes applications for benefit programs such as, but not limited to SNAP, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Energy, General Relief, Auxiliary Grants, Refugee Cash and/or Medical Assistance;
• Compiles and analyzes information and policy to determine and redetermine ongoing eligibility for financial, medical and or other governmental programs; computes income and resource eligibility timely, accurately and completely based on complex state and federal guidelines; ensures clients receive maximum eligible benefits;
• Explains available benefit programs, rights and responsibilities, other agency services and community resources identifies social problems and makes referrals to social workers as needed;
• Researches, interprets, and applies mandated programmatic policy and procedures based on state and federal guidelines in the administration of a benefits caseload which may be generic or specialized;
• Ensures integrity in benefits delivery and caseload management by maintaining records according to established guidelines and identifies errors/potential fraud and makes appropriate referrals; evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy;
• Responds to appeal requests, prepares appeal summaries and all supporting documentation, and participates in appeal hearings;
• Attends and participates in unit and agency meetings by sharing knowledge, experiences, and information; participates in agency workgroups and/or teams; attends and participates in ongoing training, learning, and growth opportunities;
• Recommends changes in internal policy and procedures based on experience and knowledge;
• Performs related tasks as required.

Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:

• General knowledge of interviewing and time management skills and principles and practices of public social service organizations;
• Some knowledge of current social, economic and health problems and of human behavior and social functioning;
• Knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems;
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
• Ability to analyze information and policy and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps;
• Ability to access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate,
• Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; Ability to work effectively within and around teams;
• Ability to operate a computer and software;
• High level of attention to detail;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, management and the public consistent with the agency’s Quality Caseload Standards;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a team environment;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions;
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, orally and in writing;
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports;
• Ability to organize/manage own work schedule;
• Ability to plan, manage, coordinate, and prioritize multiple and varied activities and projects.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience, or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications:

Strongly preferred, but not required:

• Bachelor's degree;
• Direct eligibility experience;
• Experience working effectively and successfully within a team;
• Experience working with populations with limited English proficiency.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Workers in this position are required to drive and they must meet the eligibility requirements of the County’s safe driver policy. Worker must be willing to travel occasionally overnight and may be required to assist in managing emergency shelters for the public. The candidate may be subject to criminal history and central registry background checks.
• Works with the public; works typically in an office setting and/or telework environment;
• Work is performed with relative independence;
• May involve frequent walking or standing, and light lifting;
• Regular operation of office equipment and occasional operation of vehicles;
• Daily contact with clients, families, and the community in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.

Remote Work:

This position is eligible for remote work. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Albemarle County Core Values:

Albemarle County holds its employees to the highest standards in fulfilling the County’s Vision and Mission. We believe in excellence in public service through

Community: We expect diversity, equity and inclusion to be integrated into how we live our mission.

Integrity: We value our customers and co-workers by always providing honest and fair treatment.

Innovation: We embrace creativity and positive change.

Stewardship: We honor our role as stewards of the public trust by managing our natural, human, and financial resources respectfully and responsibly.

Learning: We encourage and support lifelong learning and personal and professional growth.

Contact Information:

For questions related to this posting, please contact:

Kiersten Trader, [e-mail]