Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

JOB 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. 

JOB DESCRIPTION- Benefit Programs Specialist II represents the full-performance level in the Benefit Programs Specialist occupational group. Energy Assistance Team member – Process cases in a timely manner according to VDSS Policy. Energy share Coordinator - Evaluate clients once other program eligibility has been determined. Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP) Coordinator - Process PIPP applications according to Dominion Energy Guidelines. Maintain inventory of office furniture, equipment and supplies and order agency supplies as necessary.  Maintain inventory of vehicle fleet and schedule maintenance as necessary.  Serve as backup Security Officer and SNAP Repayment Coordinator. Serve on Holiday Sharing Team. 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.

Energy Assistance Team member – Process cases in a timely manner according to VDSS Policy. Energy share Coordinator - Evaluate clients once other program eligibility has been determined. Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP) Coordinator - Process PIPP applications according to Dominion Energy Guidelines. Maintain inventory of office furniture, equipment and supplies and order agency supplies as necessary.  Maintain inventory of vehicle fleet and schedule maintenance as necessary.  Serve as backup Security Officer and SNAP Repayment Coordinator. Serve on Holiday Sharing Team.

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: 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.

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 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.  Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.  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. 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:  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.  Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software. 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 judgement, 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.  Demonstrated ability to work with other stakeholders including employers, educational programs and mentors. Ability to independently identify customers’ needs and develop Energy/PIPP  plans. Demonstrated ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgement, discretion, and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions.  An ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates and the public. Prefer eligibility/employment services experience in a Virginia Department of Social Services agency.  Prefer experience interpreting laws, policies and regulations in a Virginia Local Department of Social Services.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  All applicants are subject to a DMV/driving record check, pre-employment drug screen, Central Registry (CPS) check and/or criminal history search.

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.

This position if covered under Code of Virginia 63.2-1601.1 or 63.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.

Employee must be willing to work outside regular work hours and in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: Based on the response to this posting, this position may be filled as a Benefit Programs Specialist I/ II.  Applicants are encouraged to provide a complete listing of work experience and qualifications on the application. Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website.  Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted.  This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.  Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application.  YOUR RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS ATTACHED WILL BE CROSS-REFERENCED WITH THE INFORMATION YOU PROVIDED IN THE BODY OF YOUR APPLICATION.  Please refer to your account for the status of your application and this position.  Applications must include complete work history, including periods of unemployment if applicable.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Kimberly F. Gregory, Administrative Services Manager

434-848-2142 ext. 6879

KIMBERLY.GREGORY@DSS.VIRGINIA.GOV

Hiring Manager

Employer Description

VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.