Benefit Programs Specialist (CD)

Benefit Programs Specialist

General Description: This is a paraprofessional position. The incumbent performs routine tasks to determine a customer's eligibility for Social Services benefits, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Child Care, Medicaid, and Auxiliary Grants.

Organization: The Benefit Programs Specialist position is part of Hanover County's Career Development Program (CD). The Benefit Programs Specialist has four levels ranging from Benefit Programs Specialist I to Benefit Programs Specialist - Senior. The incumbent reports to a Benefit Programs Supervisor or Benefit Programs Manager and supervises no staff.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct applicant interviews to determine eligibility for assistance and determine their continuing eligibility
• Explain nature of benefit programs and determine reasons and need for assistance
• Process applications for financial assistance and diversion
• Explain client responsibilities, rights and program availability
• Determine eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods
• Evaluate consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy
• Interpret policies and procedures applicable to the various programs
• Monitor cases for changes in recipient circumstances, and implement changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines
• Evaluate employability status of clients and explore potential sources of income
• Refer clients to service workers as the result of overall assessment of situation
• Prepare reports and maintain client records
• Identify possible fraud and make appropriate referrals
• Compute assistance plans
• Determine the number of allowances for special circumstance items such as household equipment
• Identify discernible social problems and make referrals to Social Workers
• Provide applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services as needed
• Explain a variety of programs under the Social Services umbrella, such as employment services, child support services, and child care services
• Determine the need for and number of allowances for special circumstance items
• Evaluate social factors, such as education, work experience, and levels of social functionality
• Contact vendors for services and ensure payments to allow for the restoration or continuation of services.
• Monitor efficiency, trends of programs, and complete seasonal, quarterly, and yearly reporting
• Prepare quality control reporting and communicate recommendations to the direct supervisor
• Participate in task forces, contribute to strategic planning, mentor volunteers, students, and new employees, deliver instructional guidance, and engage in community outreach initiatives
• Review cases for accuracy, identify errors/problems in caseloads, and identify the source of the errors/problems
• Provide statistical data and other relevant support information related to the budget
• Document data and information collected, compare the findings with established program eligibility guidelines, and perform follow-up as needed
• Manage a caseload of clients receiving public assistance with complex issues
• Provide guidance to staff and the public regarding public assistance programs and eligibility criteria
• A Senior Benefit Programs Specialist functions as a lead contributor and supports the supervisor by delivering staff training on programs, reviewing case files, and providing backup supervision of team members.
• Coordinate training programs and onboarding sessions for new employees and clients
• Ensures that established deadlines are met
• Coordinate and collaborate with community resources and partners to support clients in addressing their identified needs
• Perform related work as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Hazards May be required to effectively manage challenging customer interactions
• Environment Office Field May be required to visit clients in their homes
• Physical Effort Must have the ability to lift fifteen (15) pounds
• FLSA Non-Exempt

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must have a comprehensive knowledge in the following subject matter:
• Applicable laws, codes, public assistance program policies, regulations, and procedures, including Civil and Circuit Court procedures
• Human behavior, social challenges and resources
• Social, economic, health, and cultural factors that may act as barriers to employment, along with effective counseling strategies
• Financial assistance programs sufficient to assess eligibility for benefits
• Human services programs and their interrelationships
• Strategic planning processes
• Mathematical concepts including percentage calculations, formulas, and averages used to solve mathematical problems
• Operation of a personal computer and the relevant office and agency software
• Independently assess eligibility by applying policies, rules, and regulations
• Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse range of individuals, including clients, employers, courts, and medical professionals, through in-person interactions and by telephone
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, public and private agencies, associates, and the general public in a positive and productive manner

Education, Experience and Training:

High school diploma or equivalent required (bachelor's degree preferred) with recent eligibility and/or social services experience desired OR Any equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities is acceptable. Higher levels on the Career Ladder require additional education, experience and training. A senior worker will possess work experience in a leadership role and benefit programs.

Special Conditions:

• Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting
• Must obtain valid Driver's License within 30 days of employment to be eligible to operate a county vehicle
• Twelve-month probationary period
• Work beyond normal work schedule may be required
• CPS (Child Protective Services) Check
• Mandatory participation in the Citizen Emergency Response On-call Plan