Benefit Programs Specialist II (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 food, financial assistance, medical assistance, and for other social services’ benefits programs.
The work is performed within established policies, procedures, and guidelines, but certain aspects of eligibility determination require independent judgment, especially as related to the evaluation of social factors influencing eligibility.

General work tasks include but not limited to:

• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, re-determines their continued eligibility.
• Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance.
• Completes other duties as assigned.
• Assists in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required.

The Benefit Programs Specialist II reports directly to the Benefit Programs Supervisor, Benefits Program Manager, or Director.
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.
Skills 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.
Minimum of a high school diploma supplemented with additional education and related work experience OR combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred qualifications:

• Prior work experience in financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/redetermine eligibility for benefits.
• Prior work experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and the completion of required Benefit Programs training.
• Spanish, bi-lingual, skills with a competency to translate benefit program details.

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.
All employees must have a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Driving record must meet agency requirements.
Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, re-determines their continued eligibility.
• Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance.
• Completes other duties as assigned.
• Assists in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required