Benefit Programs Specialist I

The Floyd County Department of Social Services is nestled in Floyd County, a unique mountain community known for its natural beauty, music, arts, and diverse, caring people.  It is the mission of the Floyd County Department of Social Services (DSS) to eliminate poverty, abuse, and neglect through the design, implementation, coordination, and provision of quality services to the families and children of Floyd County.  We are currently looking for a Benefit Programs Specialist to join our Benefits Team. The primary role of this position is determining eligibility for federal entitlement programs managed by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS).  Floyd County DSS is a small, Level One agency that functions with a family team approach.  We offer a full employee benefits package, to include:

• Health insurance packages with no single portion monthly premium effective after your first month of employment;
• Family/Personal & Sick Leave balances awarded on your first day of employment;
• Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS);
• Participation in the ICMA Retirement Defined Contribution Plan;
• Fifteen paid holidays;
• Flexible work schedule (depending on position and employee status);
• Life Insurance; and
• Additional “optional” benefit packages are available.

Title Description-  

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. 

 *****DEPENDING ON THE CANDIDATE'S LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE, THIS POSITION MAY BE FILLED AS A BENEFITS PROGRAMS SPECIALIST I OR BENEFITS PROGRAMS SPECIALIST II.  THE MINIMUM STARTING SALARY FOR THIS POSITION IS $32,415.00 ANNUALLY.  STARTING SALARY MAY BE HIGHER DEPENDING ON CURRENT AND/OR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH HUMAN SERVICES/BENEFIT PROGRAMS.
 

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) – 

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Minimum Qualifications):

Knowledge- 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.

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

Abilities- 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Considerable knowledge of VDSS Benefit Programs (SNAP, VA Medicaid, TANF, Childcare, Energy Assistance, VIEW) supplemented with VDSS required training to benefit programs.  Working knowledge of the VDSS benefits database known as VaCMS.    

Education and Experience:

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.

Special Requirements:

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screening.  The investigation may include  fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority.  All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.  May require reporting for shelter duty during emergencies and disasters.  Driving record must meet agency standards.  

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications and or resumes for this position must be submitted electronically through the website.  Mailed, e-mailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or resumes will NOT be accepted.  The website will provide a confirmation receipt when the application/resume is submitted for consideration.  Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume.  

For questions about this job posting, please contact:

J. Chad Alls

540-745-9319

chad.alls@dss.virginia.gov