Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

Hiring Range: $32,415 to (Salary commensurate with experience)

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

JOB 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 and assessing employability of clients to aid in their effort to achieve self-sufficiency. Benefit Program Specialist II represents the full-performance level in the occupational group. The work is performed within established policies, procedures and guidelines, but certain aspects of eligibility determination require independent judgement, especially as related to evaluation of social factors influencing eligibility and employment. Conduct interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines their continuing eligibility; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability; evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 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. Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software. 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. 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 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. Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software. 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 judgement, 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. Demonstrated ability to work with other stakeholders including employers, educational programs and mentors. Ability to independently identify customers' employment needs and develop employment plans. Demonstrated ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgement, discretion, and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions. An ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates and the public. Prefer eligibility/employment services experience in a Virginia Department of Social Services agency. Prefer experience interpreting laws, policies and regulations in a Virginia Local Department of Social Services.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: All applicants are subject to a DMV/driving record check, pre-employment drug screen, Central Registry (CPS) check and/or criminal history search.

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 if 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 outside regular work hours and in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: Based on the response to this posting, this position may be filled as a Benefit Programs Specialist I/ II. Applicants are encouraged to provide a complete listing of work experience and qualifications on the application.Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. This 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. YOUR RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS ATTACHED WILL BE CROSS-REFERENCED WITH THE INFORMATION YOU PROVIDED IN THE BODY OF YOUR APPLICATION. Please refer to your account for the status of your application and this position. Applications must include complete work history, including periods of unemployment if applicable.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Kimberly F. Gregory, Administrative Services Manager

434-848-2142 ext. 6879