Benefit Programs Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services; Front Royal (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Warren County Department of Social Services seeks an experienced Benefit Programs Specialist III to conduct complex eligibility determinations for TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid. You will serve as a resource to staff, interpret regulations, and support quality assurance across cases.

You will work independently on advanced cases, participate in training, and help guide program policy while ensuring documentation, confidentiality, and ethical standards are upheld.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of TANF, SNAP, Medicaid eligibility rules and related regulations.
• Ability to interpret complex public assistance policies and apply them accurately.
• Experience reviewing complex cases and ensuring consistency and quality.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid.
• Provide guidance to staff and explain regulations and procedures.
• Monitor trends, prepare reports, and participate in quality improvement projects.
• Engage in outreach, planning, mentoring, and training activities.
• Manage caseloads with complex household and income scenarios.
• Educate clients about rights and available services; maintain confidentiality.

Skills

TANF knowledge

SNAP knowledge

Medicaid knowledge

Policy interpretation

Communication skills

VaCMS familiarity

Education

High school diploma

Tools

VaCMS

Job description

At the Warren County Department of Social Services, we believe in advocacy, dignity, and meaningful human connection. Our mission centers on helping individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency, restoring and preserving families whenever possible, and safeguarding the wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults. We work closely with community partners because lasting change is a team effort—and because the people we serve deserve nothing less.

Are you an experienced human services professional with a passion for strengthening families and supporting long-term community wellbeing? Do you excel in complex decision-making, enjoy helping others navigate essential services, and thrive in a role where your advanced knowledge of TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid truly matters? If so, the Warren County Department of Social Services invites you to apply for the Benefit Programs Specialist III position.

As a BPS III, you will serve as an advanced-level specialist responsible for conducting and reviewing eligibility determinations across TANF, SNAP, and Medicaidprograms. You will work independently on complex cases and play a critical role in ensuring accurate, consistent, and high-quality service delivery. You will also serve as a key program resource to fellow employees, offering policy guidance, technical support, and clarification on public assistance regulations. Benefit Programs Specialist III represents the advanced level in the occupational group. Employees are assigned advanced technical functions or projects that require considerable knowledge of all public assistance functions such as fraud or quality control case review. Employees in this class conduct the initial and ongoing eligibility determinations requiring advanced program knowledge, or provide quality control by examining cases completed by other eligibility workers for accuracy and uniformity. Work is performed independently in accordance with well-established guidelines and standards. The most complex situations are reviewed with the supervisor. The Benefit Programs Specialist III is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist IV by the latter’s serving as a lead worker, providing guidance to other specialists, and supporting the supervisor by ensuring staff coverage, reviewing cases, and providing back-up supervision as required.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid, including highly complex cases requiring advanced program knowledge.
• Serve as a program resource to fellow employees, providing guidance, answering policy questions, and helping staff navigate detailed public assistance regulations.
• Monitor program trends, prepare seasonal and annual reports, and participate in quality improvement projects.
• Engage in outreach, task forces, strategic planning, mentoring, and training activities to support agency goals.
• Manage a caseload involving complex household circumstances, fluctuating income, multi-ownership situations, and evolving client needs.
• Educate clients about their rights and responsibilities and connect them with needed services and resources.
• Maintain detailed records and ensure compliance with confidentiality and ethical standards.

What You Bring

• Considerable knowledge of TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid laws, regulations, and eligibility criteria.
• Ability to interpret regulations, analyze detailed information, and make accurate independent decisions.
• Proven success managing complex cases, analyzing detailed information, identifying errors or concerns, and recommending corrective action.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and professionalism.
• Comfort using the Virginia Case Management System (VaCMS) to establish and maintain records, research financial information, and generate reports.
• Ability to remain professional, tactful, and resourceful—even under pressure.
• Strong relationship-building skills with clients, coworkers, and partnering agencies.
• A commitment to problem-solving, collaboration, and maintaining strong working relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Dedication to the department’s values of empowerment, dedication, resilience, and respect.

Our Why:

Everything we do is designed to inspire positive change and empower the residents of Warren County to thrive, build resilience, and promote wellbeing within our community.

Why Join Us?

• Your work directly strengthens families and contributes to a more resilient Warren County.
• You will apply advanced TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid knowledge to support clients in achieving stability and self-sufficiency.
• You will serve as a valued resource to staff, contributing to a professional and supportive workplace culture.
• You will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to dignity, compassion, and community wellbeing.
• Your expertise ensures that public assistance programs operate with integrity and purpose.

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. Equivalent combinations of training and experience that demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will also be considered.