Programs Specialist

Benefit Programs Specialist I

Winchester, Virginia, United States, 22601

Administrative

L-840-Winchester Dept Of Social Services

Hiring Range: $46,987.20 to $57,304.00

Full Time or Part Time:
Full Time

Additional Detail

APPLY HERE

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may also be assigned.

• Completes required State and in-house training on various government programs

• Registers applications for assistance, executes system searches and schedules initial interviews

• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and makes eligibility determinations

• Engages client in a positive working relationship;

• Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance, as well as other Social Service programs

• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion, which includes accurately determining eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods within established deadlines

• 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 employment status of clients and explores potential sources of income

• Organizes and maintains accurate client case records, ensures thorough documentation and prepares program reports as applicable

• Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, verifies its accuracy, identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals

• Explains programs and rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients

• Provides applicants or recipients with information about other community resources and makes referrals

• Makes referrals to Services unit for cases where abuse or neglect issues arise

• Makes home visits as needed

• Works assigned shift(s) to set up and staff emergency shelters should Winchester declare a state of emergency

• Contributes to a positive work environment.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Language

Skills:

Ability to read and comprehend. Ability to speak and communicate effectively using correct English. Bilingual English-Spanish preferred.

Other

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Working knowledge of practices of public service organizations; economic and basic human behavior; financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits; eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outlined by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone; interview, gather information, evaluate each client's situation, and make referrals; determine a client's ownership share in situations; analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps;

apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate; understanding of reports and ability to manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and…