Medicaid & SNAP Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 43,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Social Services seeks a Benefit Programs Specialist I to help determine eligibility for Medicaid, SNAP and other assistance programs under close supervision, with training and a future move to Specialist II.

The role emphasizes applying policy, reviewing data, interviewing clients, and documenting findings, with opportunities for advancement and a compensation plan aligned with local government standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in an office environment providing customer service to the general public.
• Some knowledge of basic human behavior.
• Ability to perform mathematic calculations to include percentages, formulas and averages.
• Conduct interviews for the purpose of gathering information, evaluating situations, and analyzing information.
• Skilled in operating a personal computer.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• 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.
• Utilize 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.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful conditions.

Responsibilities

• Process applications for entitlement programs.
• Determine ongoing eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods.
• Interpret policies and procedures applicable to Medicaid and SNAP.
• Monitor cases for changes in recipient circumstances and implement changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines.
• Explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability.
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured and, where indicated, substantiates its accuracy.
• Compute assistance plans.
• Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.
• Identify clearly discernible social programs and refer clients to Services Intake.
• Provide individuals with information about other community agencies that can provide additional services and resources.
• Shelter duty - When activated by the County Administrator, must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter.

Skills

Customer service

Office environment

Math skills

Interviewing

Computer skills

Communication

Discretion

Data management

Teamwork

Job description

The Virginia Department of Social Services seeks a Benefit Programs Specialist I to help determine eligibility for Medicaid, SNAP and other assistance programs under close supervision, with training and a future move to Specialist II.

The role emphasizes applying policy, reviewing data, interviewing clients, and documenting findings, with opportunities for advancement and a compensation plan aligned with local government standards.