Programs Specialist I​/II

Title

Benefit Programs Specialist II – full-performance level in the Benefit Programs Specialist occupational group.

Employee determines and re‑determines eligibility of individuals and families for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social service benefit programs. Requires independent judgment on evaluation of social factors influencing eligibility and seeks supervisory help only for difficult or unusual situations.

• Conduct interviews to determine and re‑determine eligibility for assistance.
• Explain the nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determine reasons and need for assistance.
• Process applications for financial assistance and diversion; explain client responsibilities, rights, and program availability.
• Evaluate consistency and completeness of 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.
• Assess employability of clients and explore potential sources of income.

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.

Abilities include communicating effectively orally and in writing; interviewing, gathering information, and evaluating situations; analyzing information; applying common sense understanding to carry out instructions; exercising sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; using automated technology to maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports, and manipulate data; maintaining professional ethics and confidentiality; and establishing effective working relationships under stressful situations.

High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Working knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas, and averages to solve mathematical problems.
• Knowledge of practices of public service organizations, economic and basic human behavior, and financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re‑determine eligibility for benefits using regulations and guidelines.
• Experience providing customer service to the public, including the ability to interview and gather information.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software to research, scan, retrieve data, create and manipulate reports, and establish, process, and maintain case records.
• High school diploma supplemented with experience in benefit programs and completion of required Benefit Programs training or any equivalent combination of training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Experience evaluating and processing SNAP and Medicaid cases.
• Experience with VaCMS, MMIS, or any VDSS agency–related software programs.
• Experience working with populations with limited English proficiency.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred).
• Experience working effectively and successfully within a team.

• Applicants will be subject to a criminal history background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre‑employment drug/alcohol screen. The investigation may include fingerprint checks, employment verification/references, credit checks relevant to employment, and other checks requested by the hiring authority. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.
• Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.