Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Fork Union, VA

13h•Hybrid

About The Position

Fluvanna County Department of Social Services, a team of human services professionals, is currently recruiting for a Benefit Programs Specialist, who is seeking to make a positive difference in the lives of adults, families and children. This position may be filled as a Benefit Programs Specialist I or a Benefit Programs Specialist II, depending on the candidate's prior training and experience. Hybrid telework options may be available for this position. Title Description- Benefit Programs Specialist I represents the entry level in the occupational group for employees working under close supervision while being trained in determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs. Upon recommendation by the supervisor, approval by the director, and successful completion of the training program, the employee shall be redefined to full-performance Benefit Programs Specialist II with a corresponding salary increase as indicated by the local department’s compensation plan. Benefit Programs Specialist I is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist II by the latter’s performing all the assigned eligibility duties independently and making judgments following agency practices and procedures and mandated federal, state, or local laws and policies. Title Description- Benefit Programs Specialist II represents the full-performance level in the Benefit Programs Specialist occupational group. Employees’ responsibilities are related to the determination and re-determination of eligibility of individuals and families for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and for other social services’ benefit programs. The work is performed within established policies, procedures and guidelines, but certain aspects of eligibility determination require independent judgment, especially as related to evaluation of social factors influencing eligibility. Employees seek supervisory help for difficult or unusual situations only. The Benefit Programs Specialist II is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist III by the latter’s performing advanced technical work requiring depth and breadth of knowledge to understand, analyze and act on complex cases. Also, the Benefit Programs Specialist III serves as a technical resource for others regarding social services’ eligibility programs.

Requirements

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.
Same as required in Benefit Program Specialist I with experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefit Programs training OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
All applicants are subject to DMV/driving record check, pre-employment drug screen, CPS and Criminal History Search. Driving record must meet agency standard. The search may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification and references; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks (relevant to employment), and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
Employee must be willing to work in community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Nice To Haves

Prior work experience with a human services agency.
Proficient in Microsoft programs.
Knowledge of benefit programs such as Medicaid, SNAP and/or TANF.
Prior work experience with a local DSS agency.
Proficient in Microsoft programs and DSS programs such as VaCMS.
Experience processing/screening applications for benefit programs.
Working knowledge of benefit programs such as Medicaid, SNAP and/or TANF.

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
Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income
Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and re-determines their continuing eligibility
Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance
Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods
Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various programs
Monitors cases for changes in recipient circumstances, and implements changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines
Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential sources of income; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability
Refers clients to service worker as the result of overall assessment of situation; prepares reports and maintains client records
Identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals; evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy
Explains programs and rights/responsibilities of applicants and recipients
Explores other possible sources of income
Computes assistance plans
Determines the amount of allowances for special circumstance items such as household equipment
Identifies clearly discernible social problems and makes referrals to Social Workers
Provides applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services as needed.
Explains a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services and child care services