Programs Specialist III

Benefit Programs Specialist III

Winchester, Virginia, United States, 22601

Administrative

L-840-Winchester Dept Of Social Services

Hiring Range: $54,371.20 to $66,310.40

Full Time or Part Time:
Full Time

The Benefit Programs Specialist III designation is based on an employee's sustained ability to satisfactorily perform all the duties of a Benefit Programs Specialist II, with a degree of accuracy and consistency that is commensurate with their experience. 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 various government programs, 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. Accurately determines 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 and documentation and, as applicable, prepares program reports

• 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

• Seeks out and completes supplementary training in core program areas

• Serves as a mentor and coordinates training and orientation activities for new eligibility workers

• Works on the most complex and sensitive cases

• Represents the agency in the community via outreach activities, external community meetings, and creating and delivering presentations to partners as needed

• Serves in a leadership capacity and assists Benefit Programs Supervisors with case readings, staff training, and by providing back-up supervision of staff

• 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: A newly hired employee may begin work in the Benefit Programs Specialist III position if that employee has met all the same qualifications for promotion; specifically, two years of sustained satisfactory performance as a Benefit Program Specialist II or similar position in a government social services agency, thorough knowledge of benefit programs, and demonstrated independent judgment.

Education and/or

Experience:

Same as required in Benefit Program Specialist II with additional related work experience in benefit programs OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Possession of a valid and appropriate driver's license. Must complete mandatory state training including Medicaid and SNAP. Additional program trainings may be required.

Language

Skills:

Ability to read and comprehend. Ability to speak and…