Public Benefits Specialist III

Loudoun County Government; Leesburg (VA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework up to 4 days per week

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Loudoun County Department of Family Services is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist III to determine eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF, and to support the unit's operational needs. The role covers coverage for caseloads, case reviews, and customer problem resolution.

The ideal candidate will have strong interview and case management skills, policy knowledge, and the ability to work with diverse clients.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of automated systems related to program area and job role.
• Extensive knowledge of policy and procedures for public assistance programs.
• Skill in interviewing to gather required information for eligibility.
• Skill in providing effective case management for applicants and recipients.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to manage competing priorities with high workloads and deadlines.
• Ability to interpret and apply policy when determining eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF by reviewing documentation and applying policy.
• Provide coverage for caseloads during vacancies or absences and complete case reviews.
• Assist customers with questions and resolve public benefits issues.
• Provide back-up support to Energy Assistance Programs and Public Benefits Appeals.
• Assist in training lower-level Public Benefits Specialists.

Skills

Interviewing

Case management

Policy interpretation

Verbal communication

Written communication

Customer service

Time management

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Two years of directly related experience

Job description

Loudoun County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, known for its excellent quality of life and strong economy, while embracing its historic presence. Located 35 miles west of Washington DC, Loudoun County offers a diverse blend of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.

Loudoun County Department of Family Services seeks a dedicated, professional candidate for its Public Benefits Specialist III position. The successful candidate will join the Public Assistance and Support division and the diverse department that envisions better health, safety, and well-being for all. The Department supports individuals and families in the community to live their best lives while advocating for those most vulnerable and respecting their right to self-determination.

The Public Benefits Specialist III will be assigned various Public Benefits duties for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) programs that support the operational needs of the unit.

These responsibilities may include:

• Determining eligibility for Public Assistance Programs applications by requesting appropriate documentation, applying applicable policy, and completing case documentation.
• Providing coverage for caseloads for vacancies or absences, to include completing case reviews, taking timely action on reported changes.
• Providing support to customers that have Public Benefits questions and resolving customer issues.
• Providing back-up assistance to specialty programs, including Energy Assistance Programs (EAP) and Public Benefits Appeals.
• Assist in the training of lower-level Public Benefits Program Specialists.

The ideal candidate should have the following:

• Knowledge of automated systems related to program area and job role.
• Extensive knowledge of the policy and procedures for families, children, and adult public assistance programs.
• Skill in conducting interviews to gather required information to determine eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Skill in providing appropriate and effective case management for those applying for or receiving public assistance programs.
• Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with clients, co-workers, staff, other professionals, officials, and the public.
• Ability to manage competing priorities with high workloads and tight deadlines.
• Ability to understand, interpret and apply policy appropriately in determining eligibility.

Hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

This position has up to a 4 day per week telework schedule after 90 days and a successful evaluation of performance.

Bachelor’s degree in field related to assigned area and two (2) years of directly related experience in a social/human service setting or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Public Benefits policy knowledge and experience processing SNAP and Medicaid applications and renewals.

Pass pre-employment background checks to include criminal, credit, Child Protective Services (CPS), and DMV. Valid driver’s license and good driving record (driving records may be reviewed annually for continued qualification). Hold or obtain certifications required by the Department.

This position may be assigned and required to work at an alternate work site(s) to carry out duties that support the needs of the County’s residents or employees.

• May be asked to work beyond regular scheduled workday including evenings and weekends, as required, to perform functions of position for assigned area.
• Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.