Benefit Programs Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services • Radford, VA

19h

About The Position

Benefit Programs Specialist III represents the advanced level in the occupational group. Employees are assigned advanced technical functions or projects that require considerable knowledge of all public assistance functions such as fraud or quality control case review. Employees in this class conduct the initial and ongoing eligibility determinations requiring advanced program knowledge, or provide quality control by examining cases completed by other eligibility workers for accuracy and uniformity. Work is performed independently in accordance with well-established guidelines and standards. The most complex situations are reviewed with the supervisor. The Benefit Programs Specialist III is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist IV by the latter’s serving as a lead worker, providing guidance to other specialists, and supporting the supervisor by ensuring staff coverage, reviewing cases, and providing back-up supervision as required. General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) – Contacts vendors for services and ensures payments to allow for the restoration or continuation of services. Monitors efficacy, trends of programs, and completes seasonal, quarterly and yearly reports; Participates on task forces, strategic planning, mentoring volunteers, students and new employees, teaching classes, and conducting outreach; Reviews cases for correctness, identifies significant errors/problems in caseloads and determines if the errors/problems are with the section, unit or with an employee; Provides statistical data and other information to support budget requests; interviews clients who provide questionable or fraudulent statements and information and determines program eligibility; Documents data and information gathered and compares findings with established guidelines of program eligibility; Prepares reports regarding quality control and makes recommendations to the supervisor; Explains programs, and the rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients, and conducts follow-up as needed; Carries a caseload of clients receiving public assistance that involve complex issues; Serves as a resource to staff and the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements; Answers questions related to policies and procedures; and Maintains records, prepares reports, and submits summaries and information as required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Knowledge- Considerable knowledge of: applicable laws, codes, policies, and procedures related to public assistance programs; basic human behavior; financial assistance programs sufficient to determine benefits eligibility; human services programs and how each interrelates; the strategic planning process; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection, interrogation, and investigation. Skills- Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software. Abilities- Demonstrated ability to: manage complex cases; read and interpret public policies and regulations sufficient to make decisions independently in a variety of public assistance program; train staff; speak in public, promoting agency programs; develop brochures and pamphlets and use audio-visual equipment; share learned information with co-workers; communicate effectively and diplomatically both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone; interview, gather information, re-evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals; determine a client’s ownership share in situations where multi-ownership exists; assess client’s needs through collection and analysis of employment history and pertinent personal, family and cultural information; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, reports, and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations; and identify customers’ needs and explore options to address these needs within the available community resources. Education and Experience- Same as required in Benefit Program Specialist II with additional related work experience in benefit programs OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Minimum Qualifications: Must have prior experience in determining eligibility for benefit programs. Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Experience: Demonstrated ability to evaluate eligibility for public assistance programs, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and Medicaid based on VDSS policies and regulations. Experience working in VDSS software systems to include VaCMS, VAMMIS, and Spider. Human services experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Preferred Qualifications: Considerable experience in assigned program area/human services programs and completion of required training programs. Considerable Virginia DSS Benefit Programs experience and a strong QA focus, with a detail‑oriented approach to case review and a commitment to maintaining high standards across collaborative social service teams. Considerable knowledge SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and Medicaid based on VDSS policies and regulations. Special Requirements: Applicants will be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search and DMV/driving record check. The investigation 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. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings. Driving record and valid license must be submitted before actual start date if being considered for employment. All Social Services employees are required to work in a community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. Special Instructions to Applicants: Responsibilities

Requirements

• Must have prior experience in determining eligibility for benefit programs.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate eligibility for public assistance programs, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and Medicaid based on VDSS policies and regulations.
• Experience working in VDSS software systems to include VaCMS, VAMMIS, and Spider.
• Human services experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Considerable experience in assigned program area/human services programs and completion of required training programs.
• Considerable Virginia DSS Benefit Programs experience and a strong QA focus, with a detail‑oriented approach to case review and a commitment to maintaining high standards across collaborative social service teams.
• Considerable knowledge SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and Medicaid based on VDSS policies and regulations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED