Benefit Programs Specialist II-Medicaid Only

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Waynesboro (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services seeks a Benefit Programs Specialist II to determine and re‑determine eligibility for public assistance programs, including TANF, SNAP, Medical Assistance, and Energy Assistance. The role requires interviewing applicants, verifying information, evaluating ongoing eligibility, and explaining available programs.

Responsibilities include assisting in emergency shelter services during disasters, applying regulations, and maintaining case records with strict

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of individuals.
• Interviewing and data collection to verify information.
• Ability to analyze information and apply sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Determine and re-determine eligibility for TANF, SNAP, Medical Assistance, Energy Assistance, and other programs.
• Interview applicants, gather verification materials, and explain program options.
• Maintain case records and ensure confidentiality and compliance with regulations.

Skills

Communication

Interviewing

Data verification

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma

Related experience in benefit programs

Job description

Title Description:

General Description and Conditions of Work:

This technical position is responsible for determining and re‑determing eligibility for a variety of public assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medical Assistance, Energy Assistance, and other social services benefit programs. Work is performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines; however, the role requires the use of independent judgment, particularly when assessing social and environmental factors that may influence eligibility.

The employee conducts interviews with individuals and families seeking assistance, gathers and verifies required information, evaluates ongoing eligibility, and provides clear explanations of available benefit programs. The position also involves assessing needs, identifying reasons for requesting assistance, and performing other related duties as assigned. In addition, the employee assists in providing emergency shelter services as mandated.

The Benefit Programs Specialist II reports directly to the Benefit Programs Supervisor or the Assistant Director of Benefits.

Working knowledge of: public service organization practices; principles of economics and basic human behavior; full range of financial assistance programs necessary to determine and re‑determine eligibility for benefits; and State, Local, and Federal regulations, guidelines, and policies governing social services eligibility, as well as proficiency in applying mathematical concepts including percentages, formulas, and averages to accurately perform eligibility calculations, interviewing techniques, including effective data collection, verification, and investigative inquiry.

Skills in: operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.

Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of individuals including customers, employers, court personnel, and medical professionals, both in person and by telephone, conduct interviews, gather and verify information, reassess client circumstances, and make appropriate referrals; determine client ownership share in applicable situations and perform accurate mathematical computations; Ability to analyze information, identify missing data or inconsistencies from multiple sources, and apply sound judgment and common‑sense understanding to follow written and oral instructions; use various automated systems and technologies to establish and maintain case records; access data related to estates, retirement accounts, real estate, and reports; and manipulate data as needed; Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to professional ethics, demonstrate capacity to exercise discretion, tact, resourcefulness, and sound judgment in problem‑solving and decision‑making, establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants, recipients, partner agencies, colleagues, and the public, while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor in sometimes stressful situations.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification):

Minimum of a high school diploma, supplemented by additional education and experience in benefit programs, or a combination of education and financial or related human services experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior work experience in financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/redetermine eligibility for benefits.
• Prior work experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and the completion of required Benefit Programs training.
• Spanish, bi-lingual, skills with a competency to translate benefit program details.

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.

This investigation may include 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. Alloffers are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screening.

All employees must have a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Driving record must meet agency requirements.

Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.