Programs Specialist I​/II; Amelia

Benefit Programs Specialist I

$38,898.00 to commensurate with experience. Full time. The entry-level position, supervised and 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 promoted to full-performance Benefit Programs Specialist II with a salary increase as indicated by the local department’s compensation plan.

Benefit Programs Specialist I is distinguished from 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.

Represents the full performance level in the Benefit Programs Specialist occupational group. Employees’ responsibilities are related to determination and re-determination of eligibility of individuals and families for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs. The work is performed within established policies, procedures and guidelines, but certain aspects, such as evaluation of social factors influencing eligibility, require independent judgment.

Employees seek supervisory help for difficult or unusual situations only. Benefit Programs Specialist II is distinguished from Benefit Programs Specialist III by the latter’s performing advanced technical work requiring depth and breadth of knowledge to understand, analyze and act on complex cases. Also, the Benefit Programs Specialist III serves as a technical resource for others regarding social services eligibility programs.

• 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.

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.

Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.

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.

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.

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.

Based on qualifications, this position may be filled as a Benefit Programs Specialist I or a Benefit Programs Specialist II. 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.