Virginia Department of Social Services

Human services for Virginians

Benefit Programs Specialist 1

Case Management & AdvocacyConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeAmelia Court House, VA, USA$38.9kIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

Some knowledge of basic human behavior, mathematics for calculating percentages, formulas and averages, and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
Skill in operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; follow written or oral instructions using common-sense understanding; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; use 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 under sometimes stressful situations.
High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Applicants are subject to a DMV driving-record check, Child Abuse Central Registry check, criminal-history search, and/or pre-employment drug screening. The background investigation may include fingerprint checks, employment verification and references, verification of education relevant to employment, credit checks relevant to employment, and other information requested by the hiring authority.
Must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.
An application, resume, and cover letter are required. Applications must be submitted electronically through the website; mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications are not accepted.

Responsibilities

Conduct interviews to determine assistance eligibility and redetermine continuing eligibility.
Explain temporary assistance benefit programs and determine reasons for and need for assistance.
Process applications for financial assistance and diversion, and explain client responsibilities, rights, and program availability.
Evaluate the consistency and completeness of gathered data and substantiate its accuracy when indicated.
Compute assistance plans.
Determine the need for and amount of allowances for special-circumstance items.
Evaluate social factors such as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning.
Evaluate clients’ employability and explore potential sources of income.

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.

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) –

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 are subject to a DMV driving record check, Child Abuse Central Registry check, criminal history search and/or pre-employment drug screening. The background investigation may include: fingerprint checks, employment verification and references, verification of education relevant to employment, credit checks relevant to employment and other background information requested by the hiring authority. Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.

Special Instructions to Applicants: An application, resume and cover letter are required. Applicants are encouraged to provide a complete listing of work experience (including periods of unemployment) and qualifications on the application. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and resume. Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed or hand-delivered will not be accepted.

Minimum Salary: $38,898.00

Maximum Salary: Commensurate with Experience

About the Company

Virginia Department of Social Services

Human services for Virginians

Virginia Department of Social Services is the state agency that designs and administers human-service programs for people and families across Virginia. Its responsibilities include food and energy assistance, foster care and adoption, child support, licensing, and abuse and neglect prevention. The department works with local social-services agencies and community partners to deliver benefits, protection, and family support. The agency spans benefits administration, protection, family services, regulation, and statewide oversight while providing policy, systems, funding, training, and operational support to Virginia’s locally administered social-services network.

Company size: Not listed
Company stage: Not listed
Total funding: Not listed
Headquarters: Not listed
Founded: Not listed

Recently Posted Jobs

Explore more opportunities at Virginia Department of Social Services

See more jobs