Benefit Program Specialist

Benefit Programs Specialist Reporting directly to the Benefit Programs Unit Manager, the Benefit Programs Specialist represents an entry level position responsible for 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. LDHS employees are also required to staff Emergency Shelter Operations as needed. Essential Functions of the Position Determine and re-determine eligibility of individuals and families for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs. Work within established policies, procedures, and guidelines, using independent judgment for social factors influencing eligibility. Interview persons for assistance, obtain necessary information, and re-determine their continuing eligibility; explain benefit programs and determine reasons and need for assistance. Process applications for financial assistance and diversion; determine eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods. Interpret policies and procedures applicable to various programs; monitor cases for changes in recipient circumstances, implement changes to reflect benefit level within guidelines; evaluate employability status of clients and explore potential sources of income. Explain client responsibilities, rights, and program availability; refer clients to service workers as the result of overall assessment, prepare reports and maintain client records. Identify possible fraud and make appropriate referrals; evaluate consistency and completeness of data, substantiate accuracy where indicated; explain programs and rights/responsibilities of applicants and recipients. Explore other possible sources of income; compute assistance plans; determine the amount of allowances for special circumstance items such as household equipment. Identify socially discernible problems and refer to Social Workers; provide applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services. Explain various programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services, and child care services. Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Working knowledge of public service organization practices, 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. Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with clients, courts, medical professionals, the public, government officials, co-workers, and other public and private agencies. Demonstrated communication skills, both oral and written, with excellent customer service abilities. Proven ability to maintain professional ethics. Maintain confidential information. Resolve issues tactfully and diplomatically in stressful and sensitive situations. Sound organizational, analytical, problem‑solving and effective listening skills. Exercise professional judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness, and make independent decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures during problem solving. Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail. Interview, gather, and analyze information; determine missing information and identify gaps from a variety of sources. Re‑evaluate each client’s situation and make referrals. Determine a client’s ownership share in situations. Follow complex oral and written directions. Accurately create and maintain complex records and prepare reports. Compose and prepare routine reports and correspondence. Perform job tasks in a timely, accurate manner, including follow‑through on tasks. Computer skills: operate a computer and associated office software, establish and maintain accurate case records, access, manipulate and verify data. Knowledge of best office practices, English grammar, punctuation. Typing skills; reading, spelling, proofreading, file alphabetically, numerically and chronologically. Mathematical skills to calculate percentages, formulas, averages, and perform accurate computations. Regular attendance and adherence to County policies on absences, tardiness, and time‑off requests. Education, Experience and Training High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience, or any equivalent combination providing the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Experience in benefit programs and use of computer software and hardware preferred but not required. Working Conditions Environmental: Work is typically performed indoors. The department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the position requires a flexible schedule, including evening, weekend, occasional holiday hours, and disaster situations. Physical Effort: Sedentary work: may occasionally lift up to 10 pounds; primarily sitting, with brief walking or standing. Hazards: The employee is subject to indoor environmental conditions; no specific hazards indicated. Special Conditions or Requirements Willingness to submit to a criminal background and motor vehicles check. Consent to drug testing consistent with the county’s drug‑free workplace policy. Valid driver’s license. Maintain driving record consistent with insurance industry standards to drive a county vehicle. Twelve‑month probationary period. Disclaimer This information is of a general nature and is not intended to be a comprehensive description of each and every duty. This position is also responsible for performing other duties as assigned. #J-18808-Ljbffr