Benefit Programs Specialist I

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.  General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) – 

• 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; and 
• Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge- Some knowledge of: basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.

Skills- Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.
 Abilities- Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; 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; use 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; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.
 Education and Experience- 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. Minimum Qualifications: 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.  Knowledge of basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.  Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.  Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; 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; use 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; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.
 Preferred Qualifications:  Experience in benefit programs and completion of Benefit Programs training.  Experience with VaCMS and benefits determination/redeterminations.
 Special Requirements:  Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search.  Central Registry search, DMV driving record check, and pre-employment drug screen.  The investigation may include:  fingerprint (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.  Employees must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a declared disaster or emergency.
 Special Instructions to Applicants:  Application/resume for this position must be submitted electronically through this website.  Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application/resume.   All work experience must be documented on the application/resume to be considered.