Benefit Programs Specialist III

Hiring Range: $36,481 to $71,000

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

Title Description

Benefit Programs Specialist III represents the advanced level in the occupational group. Employees are assigned advanced technical functions or projects that require considerable knowledge of all public assistance functions such as fraud or quality control case review. Employees in this class conduct the initial and ongoing eligibility determinations requiring advanced program knowledge, or provide quality control by examining cases completed by other eligibility workers for accuracy and uniformity. Work is performed independently in accordance with well-established guidelines and standards. The most complex situations are reviewed with the supervisor. The Benefit Programs Specialist III is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist IV by the latter's serving as a lead worker, providing guidance to other specialists, and supporting the supervisor by ensuring staff coverage, reviewing cases, and providing back-up supervision as required.

Benefit Programs Specialist III: $36,481 - $71,000

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) -

• Carries a caseload of clients receiving public assistance that involve complex and sensitive issues;
• Interviews clients who provide questionable or fraudulent statements and information and determines program eligibility;
• Documents data and information gathered and compares findings with established guidelines of program eligibility;
• Explains programs, and the rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients, and conducts follow-up as needed;
• Maintains records, prepares reports, and submits summaries and information as required;
• Serves as lead worker;
• Serves as a resource to staff by answering questions related to policies and procedures and eligibility requirements, suggesting effective methods of case management, and providing consultation regarding complex cases;
• Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various benefit programs, assists staff and clients in issues related to initial and continuing determination of eligibility of individuals and families;
• Collects and compiles statistics from caseloads;
• Explores alternative sources of income and assistance;
• Responds to inquiries from the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements;
• Ensures that established deadlines are met;
• Prepares monthly reports and maintains records of activities; and
• Coordinates and interacts with other community resources and partners to assist clients in meeting assessed needs.

Knowledge:

Considerable knowledge of: applicable laws, codes, policies, and procedures related to public assistance programs; basic human behavior; financial assistance programs sufficient to determine benefits eligibility; human services programs and how each interrelates; the strategic planning process; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection.

Skills-

Skilled in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.

Abilities-

Demonstrated ability to: manage complex cases; read and interpret public policies and regulations sufficient to make decisions independently in a variety of public assistance program; speak in public, promoting agency programs; share learned information with co-workers; communicate effectively and diplomatically both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, clients, 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 where multi - ownership exists; assess client's needs through collection and analysis of employment history and pertinent personal, family and cultural information; 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; and identify clients' needs and explore options to address these needs within the available community resources and refer suspected fraud to fraud investigator.

Education and Experience-

High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience. Experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefit Programs training with additional related work experience in benefit programs OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Considerable experience in 2 or more benefit programs/policies to include Temporary Aide to Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medical Assistance (Families & Children, Aged, Blind & Disabled Long Term Supportive Services), General Relief (GR), Title IV-E Foster Care, and/or Refugee Programs.

Knowledgeable in Virginia Case Management System (VaCMS), Data Warehouse (DW), EPPIC, and SPIDER systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in evaluating and processing any benefit programs such as SNAP, TANF, Medical Assistance (Family & Children, Aged/Blind/Disabled, Long Term Supportive Services, etc.), Title IV-E, General Relief and/or any other Benefit Programs.

Prefer experience working in a Virginia Local Department of Social Services within the last year.

Experience with a document imaging system such as Document Management Information System (DMIS). Experience in MS Office Suite.

Special Requirements:

• Applicants must have a valid Virginia driver's license without restrictions and the driving record must meet agency standards on or before the hire date
• Applicants must also meet a level of insurability set by the agency.
• Responsible for shelter duty during times of disaster.
• Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.
• The 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.
• This position is covered under Code of Virginia §63.2-1601.1 or §63.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.
• Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicants are encouraged to provide a complete listing of work experience and qualifications on the application and/or resume. Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. The website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application. Please refer to your account for the status of your application and this position.