Entry-Level Benefit Programs Specialist

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Virginia; On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking an entry-level Benefit Programs Specialist I. Under close supervision and during training, you determine eligibility for a range of social services and prepare cases for advancement to full performance.

You will interview clients, explain program options, process applications, and compute benefits while adhering to confidentiality and agency policies. The role offers training and progression opportunities within the department.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.

Responsibilities

• Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines their continuing eligibility;
• Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance;
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability;
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy;
• Computes assistance plans;
• Determines the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items;
• Evaluates such social factors as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning; and
• Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.

Skills

Interview techniques

PC skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking an entry-level Benefit Programs Specialist I. Under close supervision and during training, you determine eligibility for a range of social services and prepare cases for advancement to full performance.

You will interview clients, explain program options, process applications, and compute benefits while adhering to confidentiality and agency policies. The role offers training and progression opportunities within the department.