Benefit Programs Specialist II

Benefit Programs Specialist IIWinchester, Virginia, United States, 22601AdministrativeL-840-Winchester Dept Of Social ServicesHiring Range: $49,358.40 to $60,195.20Full Time or Part Time: Full TimeEssential 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 programsRegisters applications for various government programs, executes system searches and schedules initial interviewsInterviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and makes eligibility determinationsEngages client in a positive working relationshipExplains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance, as well as other Social Service programsProcesses applications for financial assistance and diversion. Accurately determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods within established deadlinesInterprets policies and procedures applicable to the various programsMonitors cases for changes in recipient circumstances and implements changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelinesEvaluates employment status of clients and explores potential sources of incomeOrganizes and maintains accurate client case records, ensures thorough documentation and prepares program reports as applicableEvaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, verifies its accuracy, identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referralsExplains programs and rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipientsProvides applicants or recipients with information about other community resources and makes referralsMakes referrals to Services unit for cases where abuse or neglect issues ariseMakes home visits as neededCompletes casework with increasing independence, reviewing applicable policy for guidance prior to seeking out Supervision in only the most complex situationsSeeks out and completes supplementary training in core program areasRepresents the agency in the community via outreach activities and external community meetingsWorks assigned shift(s) to set up and staff emergency shelters should Winchester declare a state of emergencyContributes to a positive work environmentQualification 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: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.Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer