Commonwealth of Virginia

Benefit Programs Specialist I

Commonwealth of Virginia  •  Winchester, VA (Onsite)  •  3 days ago
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Job Description

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ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may also be assigned.

  • Completes required State and in-house training on various government programs
  • Registers applications for assistance, executes system searches and schedules initial interviews
  • Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and makes eligibility determinations
  • Engages client in a positive working relationship;
  • Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance, as well as other Social Service programs
  • Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion, which includes accurately determining eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods within established deadlines
  • Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various programs
  • Monitors cases for changes in recipient circumstances and implements changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines
  • Evaluates employment status of clients and explores potential sources of income
  • Organizes and maintains accurate client case records, ensures thorough documentation and prepares program reports as applicable
  • Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, verifies its accuracy, identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals
  • Explains programs and rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients
  • Provides applicants or recipients with information about other community resources and makes referrals
  • Makes referrals to Services unit for cases where abuse or neglect issues arise
  • Makes home visits as needed
  • Works assigned shift(s) to set up and staff emergency shelters should Winchester declare a state of emergency
  • Contributes to a positive work environment.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend. Ability to speak and communicate effectively using correct English. Bilingual English-Spanish preferred.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a 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, evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals; determine a client’s ownership share in situations; 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; understanding of reports and ability to 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.

Education and/or Experience: 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 Experience:

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Possession of a valid and appropriate driver’s license. Must complete mandatory state training including Medicaid and SNAP. Additional program trainings may be required.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Required Physical Activities: Requires light physical effort working almost exclusively with lightweight materials (up to 25 pounds) including but not limited to walking, talking, stooping, kneeling, light lifting, bending, reaching and gripping.

Vision Requirements: Minimum requirements set by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Environmental Conditions: Work is conducted indoors and outdoors under variable weather conditions. Face to face contact with the general public is considerable. Some travel required.

VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.

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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