Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

APPLICATIONS THROUGH really WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. YOU MUST APPLY USING THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE:

https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/302923

Rappahannock County is a rural county in the northern region of Virginia with a population of approximately 7,300. The agency office is located in Washington, Virginia surrounded by the beautiful Blueridge Mountains. Rappahannock County offers a very competitive benefits package and supports true work – life harmony. As an agency, we believe in the power of the team, exercising creativity and commitment in meeting the needs of our clients and community, and growing our agency and ourselves.

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.

Benefit Program 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.

General work tasks include but are not limited to:

• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and re-determines their continuing eligibility
• Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods
• 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 employability status of clients and explores potential sources of income
• Explains client responsibilities, rights, and program availability
• Prepares reports and maintains client records Identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured and where indicated, substantiates its accuracy
• Computes assistance plans
• Identifies clearly discernible social problems and makes referrals to Family Services Specialists or community programs/resources
• Provides applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services as needed
• Explains a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services, and child care services.

Minimum Qualifications
Benefit Programs Specialist I – 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.

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.

Benefit Programs Specialist II – High school diploma supplemented with experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefit Programs training or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required 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.

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

Demonstrated ability to include but not limited 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, re-evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals
• Determine a client’s ownership share in situations
• Make mathematical computations
• 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, reports and manipulate data
• Maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner, under sometimes stressful situations

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience working in a local Department of Social Services processing Benefit Program applications using VACMS and other related software.

Experience in a local department of social services.

Experience in processing public assistance applications

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $32,415.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location