Benefit Programs Specialist I

Hiring Range: $41,938.37 to $41,938.37

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

If you are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children, families, seniors and people with disabilities and want to work in a positive, strength-based, and flexible environment, consider a career in human services with Shenandoah County Social Services. We strive every day to engage with families and assist them in obtaining the tools they need to make positive and sustainable changes. We are dedicated to advocating for the people we serve and collaborating with them to strengthen their natural support system. We are committed to ensuring that our team of professionals have the tools and resources they need to provide exemplary service to the citizens of our community. Employee wellness is essential to our mission. If you are interested in starting the next chapter of your professional development in the most rewarding field, we invite you to apply with our team.

Shenandoah County Social Services is located in beautiful Woodstock, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Winchester and 30 miles north of Harrisonburg. Known for its majestic mountain views, the winding seven bends of the Shenandoah River and its small town charm,  Shenandoah County is the perfect place to live and work. 

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. 

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) – Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and redetermines 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.

Qualification- Bilingual in English/Spanish