Programs Specialist I​/II

Hiring Range: $36,000.00 to $69,301.00

Full Time or Part Time:
Full Time

Additional Detail

King William County Department of Social Services seeks an energetic and versatile team player, committed to working towards the best outcomes possible for our families in the community to join our agency in a Family Services Specialist position.

• Flexible Work Hours – designed to promote work-life balance.
• Hybrid Telework Options
• Pay Incentives – available for strong performance and professional growth.
• Professional Development – ongoing training and advancement opportunities.
• Supportive Team Environment – join a department that values character, collaboration, and compassion.

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.

Benefit Programs Specialist I is distinguished from the 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.

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

Employees seek supervisory help for difficult or unusual situations only. The Benefit Programs Specialist II is distinguished from the 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.

This position is ideal for candidates who are dedicated, empathetic, and of high character
—individuals who find fulfillment in making a lasting impact on the lives of children, families, and vulnerable adults in our community.

• 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.

Minimal 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.

Preferred qualifications – Experience working in the Department of Social Services setting with Benefit Program processing experience.

Knowledge – Some knowledge of: basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data…