Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Title Description- This is a technical position. The incumbent's responsibilities are related to the determination and re-determination of eligibility of individuals and families for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistancem and for other social services' benefit programs. The work is performed within established policies, procedures, and guidelines, but certain evaluation of social factors influencing eligibility. The employee interviews persons for assistance, obtaines necessary information, and re-determines their continuing eligibility; and explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance. Employees seek supervisory help for difficult or unusual situations only. The Benefit Programs Specialist II reports to the Benefit Programs Supervisor or to the Benefit Programs Manager.

 

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:  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 communicate effectively both orally and in writing with 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; 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 judgement, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; and 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.

 

 

Education and Experience-  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.