Benefit Programs Specialist II (Albemarle)

United States Digital Space LLC; United States; Remote; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Albemarle County is seeking an Eligibility Worker to provide customer-focused, professional casework and manage benefits caseload with equity and inclusion in mind.

The role requires interviewing applicants, assessing eligibility for programs like SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and more; maintaining accurate records; and collaborating with social workers to connect clients with services. Remote work eligibility is offered within Virginia, with emphasis on quality customer service and ethical practice.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with additional training or related work experience.
• Strong interviewing and case management skills within public social services.
• Knowledge of public benefits programs and policy application.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants/recipients and determine eligibility for benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and more.
• Compute income and resources to determine ongoing eligibility per state/federal guidelines.
• Explain benefit programs and connect clients with services; refer to social workers when needed.
• Prepare appeal summaries and participate in appeal hearings as required.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure data integrity for caseloads.

Skills

Interviewing basics

Time management

Public social services

Data analysis

Policy interpretation

Oral & written communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

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 andimplementing 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.

**PLEASE INCLUDE COVER LETTER, RESUME, AND THREE REFERENCES

Contact Information:For questions related to this posting, please contact:

Kiersten Trader,

Originally posted on Himalayas