Benefit Programs Specialist II-EAP (Shenandoah Valley)

at  Virginia Department of Social Services

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 assistance, medical assistance, and for other social services’ benefit programs. 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 determining eligibility. The employee reviews applications and/or interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, re-determines their continuing eligibility, explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance, scans application and information into system, and other duties as assigned. This position primarily assists with determining PIPP and Energy Assistance eligibility. Assists in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required. The Benefit Programs Specialist II reports to the Benefit Programs Senior or Supervisor or Director. The length and permanency of this position is based on funding.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s) required to successfully perform the work: 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 share in situations; 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 judgment, 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.
Considerable knowledge of: principles and processes for providing customer and personal services working with diverse populations. Working knowledge of Benefit Programs and eligibility requirements for the programs assigned; and available community resources. Some knowledge of laws, regulations, requirements and policies of Local, State, and Federal social, assistance and housing programs. Possess interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution in working with clients, professionals and employees; desire ability to create forms, charts, and graphs and make decisions based upon specific criteria’s; read and interpret documents such as policy manuals, rules and procedures, operating and maintenance instructions; and conduct effective interviews both face-to-face and by telephone.
Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification): Minimum of a high school diploma supplemented with additional education and benefit program experience or combination of education and financial background or related human services background. Proficient in use of various computer software programs and data entry. Twelve-month probation period required for completion of Benefit Program training. Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Some overnight travel may be required. Must pass the agency’s background checks.
Preferred Qualifications (Experience, Licensure, Certification): Bi-lingual skills helpful.
Must pass the agency’s background checks.
Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.
This 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 are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screening.
Driving records must meet agency requirements.
Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Please refer the Job description for details