Benefit Programs Specialist II

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ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Benefit Programs Specialist II designation is based on an employee’s sustained ability to satisfactorily perform all the duties of a Benefit Programs Specialist I, with a degree of accuracy and consistency that is commensurate with their experience. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may also be assigned.

• Completes required State and in-house training on various government programs
• Registers applications for various government programs, executes system searches and schedules initial interviews
• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and makes eligibility determinations
• Engages client in a positive working relationship
• Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance, as well as other Social Service programs
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion. Accurately determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods within established deadlines
• 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 employment status of clients and explores potential sources of income
• Organizes and maintains accurate client case records, ensures thorough documentation and prepares program reports as applicable
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, verifies its accuracy, identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals
• Explains programs and rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients
• Provides applicants or recipients with information about other community resources and makes referrals
• Makes referrals to Services unit for cases where abuse or neglect issues arise
• Makes home visits as needed
• Completes casework with increasing independence, reviewing applicable policy for guidance prior to seeking out Supervision in only the most complex situations
• Seeks out and completes supplementary training in core program areas
• Represents the agency in the community via outreach activities and external community meetings
• Works assigned shift(s) to set up and staff emergency shelters should Winchester declare a state of emergency
• Contributes to a positive work environment

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS : A newly hired employee may begin work in the Benefit Programs Specialist II position if that employee has met all the same qualifications for promotion; specifically, one year of sustained satisfactory performance as a Benefit Program Specialist I or similar position in a government social services agency, thorough knowledge of benefit programs, and demonstrated independent judgment.

Education and/or Experience: 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.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations : Possession of a valid and appropriate driver’s license. Must complete mandatory state training including Medicaid and SNAP. Additional program trainings may be required.

Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend. Ability to speak and communicate effectively using correct English. Bilingual English-Spanish preferred.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Working knowledge of practices of public service organizations; economic and basic human behavior; financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits; eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outlined by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a 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, evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals; determine a client’s ownership share in situations; analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate; understanding of reports and ability to 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.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Required Physical Activities : Requires light physical effort working almost exclusively with lightweight materials (up to 25 pounds) including but not limited to walking, talking, stooping, kneeling, light lifting, bending, reaching and gripping.

Vision Requirements : Minimum requirements set by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Environmental Conditions : Work is conducted indoors and outdoors under variable weather conditions. Face to face contact with the general public is considerable. Some travel required.

VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.