Benefit Programs Specialist I
Virginia Department of Social Services, Martinsville, VA, United States
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 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;
Determines
the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items;
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:
Must be organized.
Accurate Data Entry.
Strong customer service skills.
Clear written and verbal communication skills.
Comfortable interviewing clients.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience determining eligibility for public assistance programs.
Bilingual or any other special skill that would be beneficial to our clients.
Special Requirements: Special Instructions to Applicants: Please include business references and contact information on your resume.
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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 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;
Determines
the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items;
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:
Must be organized.
Accurate Data Entry.
Strong customer service skills.
Clear written and verbal communication skills.
Comfortable interviewing clients.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience determining eligibility for public assistance programs.
Bilingual or any other special skill that would be beneficial to our clients.
Special Requirements: Special Instructions to Applicants: Please include business references and contact information on your resume.
#J-18808-Ljbffr