Benefit Programs Specialist I

Job Description

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.

Job Description

Entry level position 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. Objectives associated with the BPS I position include, but are not limited to, determination and re-determination of client eligibility for financial assistance, SNAP, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs. Interview persons
for assistance, obtain necessary information, and re-determine 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 the various programs. Monitor cases for changes in recipient circumstances and implement
modifications that appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines. Evaluate employability status of clients and explore
potential sources of income; explain client responsibilities, rights, and availability of programs. Refer clients to service
worker as a result of overall assessment of situation. Prepare reports and maintain client records. Identify possible fraud
and complete appropriate referrals. Evaluate consistency and completeness of data secured and substantiate accuracy.
Explain programs and rights/responsibilities of applicants and recipients; explore other possible sources of income;
compute assistance plans; and determine the amount of allowances for special circumstance items, such as household
equipment. Identify clearly discernible social problems and make referrals to Family Services Specialist. Provide
applicants or recipients with information about other agencies for additional services as needed. Communicate a variety of
programs under the social services umbrella, such as employment services, child support, and childcare.
Work is performed according to established policies, procedures, and guidelines but certain aspects of eligibility
determination require independent judgement, especially as related to evaluation of social factors influencing eligibility.
Request supervisory help in complex or unusual situations only.
Position requires performing work in the community that may occur outside of business hours.
Possible limited telework options.

All other duties as assigned.

General Work Tasks -

• 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.

Special Requirements Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check,
and/or pre-employment drug screen.
The investigation may include fingerprint checks (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 from the required checks and screenings.
Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license is required, in addition to a driving record that meets agency standards.
Must be willing to participate in community shelter operations during disasters and/or emergencies.

Special Instructions to Applicants Applications/resumes for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, e-mailed, faxed or
hand delivered applications will not be accepted. Electronic applications will be accepted until filled. Consideration for
an interview is based solely on the information within the application/resume. Applicants are encouraged to provide a
complete listing of relevant work experience, qualifications and training. This website will provide a confirmation receipt when the application/resume is submitted for consideration. Please refer to your Local HR Connect account for the status of your application and this position.

---