Programs Specialist; CD

General Description

This is a paraprofessional position. The incumbent performs routine tasks to determine a customer's eligibility for Social Services benefits, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid and Auxiliary Grants.

The Benefit Programs Specialist position is part of Hanover County's Career Development Program (CD). The Benefit Programs Specialist has four levels ranging from Benefit Programs Specialist I to Benefit Programs Specialist - Senior. The incumbent reports to a Benefit Programs Supervisor or Benefit Programs Manager and supervises no staff.

• Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re‑determines their continuing eligibility; exercises sound judgment;
• Explains nature of benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance;
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability; determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods;
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy; 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 employability status of clients and explores potential sources of income;
• Refers clients to service worker as the result of overall assessment of situation; prepares reports and maintains client records;
• Identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals;
• Computes assistance plans;
• Determines the amount of allowances for special circumstance items such as household equipment;
• Identifies clearly discernible social problems and makes referrals to Social Workers;
• Provides applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services as needed;
• Explains a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services and child care services;
• 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;
• Contacts vendors for services and ensures payments to allow for the restoration or continuation of services;
• Monitors efficacy, trends of programs, and completes seasonal, quarterly, and yearly reports; prepares reports regarding quality control and makes recommendations to the supervisor;
• Participates on task forces, strategic planning, mentoring volunteers, students and new employees, teaching classes, and conducting outreach;
• Reviews cases for correctness, identifies significant errors/problems in case loads, and determines if the errors/problems are with the section, unit or with an employee;
• Provides statistical data and other information to support budget requests;
• Documents data and information gathered and compares findings with established guidelines of program eligibility; conducts follow‑up as needed;
• Carries a caseload of clients receiving public assistance that involve complex issues;
• Serves as a resource to staff and the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements;
• A senior worker serves as lead worker and assists supervisor by conducting program training for staff, reviewing case files and providing back‑up supervision of staff;
• Provides training to other workers on an individual or group basis; coordinates training programs and orientation for new employees and clients; ensures that established deadlines are met;
• Coordinates and interacts with other community resources and partners to assist clients in meeting assessed needs;
• Performs related work as assigned.

A. Hazards – Customers may interact with difficult customers.

B. Environment – Office;
Field – May be required to visit customers in their homes.

C. Physical Effort – Must be able to lift up to fifteen (15) pounds.

D. Non‑exempt

Comprehensive knowledge of…