Programs Specialist II

Benefit Programs Specialist II

Under general supervision, performs case management duties to determine eligibility of applicants for assistance through multiple benefit programs administered by the City Social Services Department. Work involves interviewing applicants and explaining multiple benefit programs, assisting applicants in completing forms, determining and advising applicants of eligibility for assistance, and providing or facilitating access to human services assistance. Verifies information received from applicants is correct and complete.

Detects and reports cases of fraud. Maintains a variety of forms and records. Participates as a team member to improve customer service, operations, and resolution of problems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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
• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and re-determines their continuing eligibility;
• Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance;
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods;
• 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; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability;
• 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; evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy;
• Explains programs and rights/responsibilities of applicants and recipients;
• Explores other possible sources of income;
• 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 childcare services

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prefer Bachelor's degree in the Human Service field.
• Prefer strong customer-related interviewing skills.
• Prefer experience in a local Virginia DSS agency with, SNAP, TANF, and/or Medicaid, Benefits Program eligibility determination work within the last 2 years.
• Prefer experience processing cases in a local Virginia DSS agency with VACMS/DMIS within the last 2 years.

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, credit checks relevant to employment and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
• Employee must be willing to work disaster related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applications are accepted online only through this posting. Only completed employment applications (complete with all periods of employment and unemployment, job duties, dates of employment, and job contact information) will be considered. This website will provide a confirmation receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application. Please refer to your HR Connect account for the status of your application and this position.

Contact Info: vdssjobs

Suffolk Department of Social Services - 135 Hall Avenue Suite B - Suffolk, VA 23434

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer