Impactful Benefits Programs Specialist II

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Tazewell (VA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services seeks a Benefit Programs Specialist II to perform eligibility determinations for financial, food, medical assistance, and other social services. The role requires independent judgment on complex cases and involves processing applications, interpreting program policies, and maintaining client records.

Positions call for strong interviewing, data collection, and communication skills to explain benefits and refer clients to appropriate services.

Qualifications

• Interviews applicants for assistance and re-determines eligibility.
• Explains benefit programs and determines need for assistance.
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; determines eligibility and benefit levels.
• Interprets policies applicable to programs.
• Monitors cases for changes and reflects benefits within guidelines.
• Evaluates employability and referrals; explains responsibilities, rights, and program availability.
• Computes assistance plans and determines allowances for special items.
• Maintains client records and reports; identifies fraud; referrals as needed.
• Explains programs and rights/responsibilities to applicants/recipients.
• Explores alternate income sources and uses data to fill gaps.

Responsibilities

• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains information, re-determines continuing eligibility.
• Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance.
• Processes applications for financial assistance and Diversion; determines eligibility and benefit levels.
• Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the programs.
• Monitors cases for changes and implements changes within guidelines.
• Evaluates employability status and explores potential income sources; explains responsibilities and rights.
• Prepares reports and maintains client records; makes referrals to service workers.
• Identifies possible fraud; substantiates data; refers as needed.
• Maintains case records and uses data to establish eligibility and benefits.
• Communicates effectively with applicants, recipients, and professionals.

Skills

Interviewing clients

Explain benefit programs

Mathematical computations

Data collection

Investigative skills

Communication skills

Case management

Ethics and confidentiality

Tools

Automated systems

Job description

Virginia Department of Social Services seeks a Benefit Programs Specialist II to perform eligibility determinations for financial, food, medical assistance, and other social services. The role requires independent judgment on complex cases and involves processing applications, interpreting program policies, and maintaining client records.

Positions call for strong interviewing, data collection, and communication skills to explain benefits and refer clients to appropriate services.