Commonwealth of Virginia

Benefit Programs Specialist I

Commonwealth of Virginia  •  Williamsburg, VA (Onsite)  •  22 hours ago
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Job Description

Benefit Programs Assistant

Department: Human Services

General Summary of Position:

Responsible for performing a variety of eligibility functions that pertain to benefits programs, including intakes, reviews, and referrals under the close supervision of the Benefit Programs Specialists. Position is responsible for the administrative tasks assigned by the Benefits team, including but not limited to scanning, system searches and reports, and assisting customers with inquiries. Benefits programs include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP], Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families [TANF], Child Care, Energy Assistance, and Auxiliary Grants [AG].

Essential Job Functions

  • Interviews individuals for assistance, obtains necessary information, and determines their continuing eligibility
  • Provides clear explanations of benefit programs and conducts assessments to determine eligibility, underlying needs, and appropriate forms of assistance.
  • Manages documentation and data integrity by completing unit scanning requirements and conducting system searches
  • Monitors active cases for changes in client circumstances, ensuring timely updates and accurate benefit adjustments in compliance with program guidelines.
  • Registers applications in the electronic case record and conducts system searches
  • Conducts comprehensive client assessments, referring individuals to service workers as needed, preparing detailed reports, and maintaining accurate case records.
  • Identifies potential fraud or discrepancies and initiates appropriate referrals in accordance with department protocols.
  • Educates clients on program offerings, eligibility criteria, and their rights and responsibilities as applicants or recipients.
  • Calculates and develops assistance plans, ensuring alignment with program guidelines and individual needs
  • Connects clients with external resources, providing referrals to other agencies for supplemental services such as housing, food assistance, or healthcare.
  • Explains a variety of programs such as employment services, child support services and childcare services
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent

Special Qualifications:

  • Acceptable criminal history, child protective services, DMV background checks and drug screening
  • Valid Virginia driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in related field
  • Experience with VDSS electronic case management system and search tools

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge and understanding of local government, economic and basic human behavior issues.
  • Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs and ability to operate computers for data entry, word processing and/or accounting purposes
  • Skills in math and computation, with high degree of accuracy
  • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, individuals with disabilities, and senior populations, both in person and on phone
  • Ability to understand, interpret, and implement policies in a timely and accurate fashion
  • Ability to operate small office equipment, including scanners or multi-line telephone systems
  • Ability to interview to gather information, re-evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals
  • Strong verbal, written, and oral communication skills

Physical Demands:

The work requires the ability to exert moderate but not constant physical effort to perform light work, typically involving some combination of balancing, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, walking and may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 20 pounds), visual perception and discrimination, the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds, perceive and discriminate color, and require oral communications.

Environment:

Work is regularly performed in a dynamic environment that requires the need to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

Commonwealth of Virginia

About Commonwealth of Virginia

The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.

The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.

The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Industry
Government & Public Safety
Company Size
1,001-5,000 employees
Headquarters
Richmond, VA
Year Founded
1776
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