King and Queen County is looking for a Benefit Programs Specialist I/II who believes that meaningful work starts with compassion. We aren't just looking for an administrator; we’re looking for a dedicated professional who wants to be the bridge between families in need and the resources that change their lives.
Join a team where your expertise directly impacts the well-being of our rural community.
This is an opportunity to work in a county that appreciates their employees and values excellent service to their residents. Our ideal candidate will work independently and collaboratively with a team and demonstrate a passion for working with the community. This position offers the option of telework.
Title 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. Upon recommendation by the supervisor, approval by the director, and successful completion of the training program, the employee shall be redefined to full-performance Benefit Programs Specialist II with a corresponding salary increase as indicated by the local department’s compensation plan. Benefit Programs Specialist I is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist II by the latter’s performing all the assigned eligibility duties independently and making judgments following agency practices and procedures and mandated federal, state, or local laws and policies.
Benefit Programs Specialist II represents the full performance level in the Benefit Programs Specialist occupational group. Employees’ responsibilities are related to the determination and re-determination of eligibility of individuals and families for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and for other social services’ benefit programs. The work is performed within established policies, procedures and guidelines, but certain aspects of eligibility determination require independent judgment, especially as related to evaluation of social factors influencing eligibility. Employees seek supervisory help for difficult or unusual situations only. The Benefit Programs Specialist II is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist III by the latter’s performing advanced technical work requiring depth and breadth of knowledge to understand, analyze and act on complex cases. Also, the Benefit Programs Specialist III serves as a technical resource for others regarding social services’ eligibility programs.
General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) –
- Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines their continuing eligibility;
- Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance;
- Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability;
- Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy;
- Computes assistance plans;
- Determines the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items;
- Evaluates such social factors as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning; and
- Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.
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:
Degree or coursework in Human Services.
Experience in a Local Department of Social Services.
Experience in processing public assistance.
Special Requirements:
All applicants are subject to a DMV driving record check, pre-employment drug screen, and CPS and criminal history search. The investigation may include: fingerprint checks(State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education( relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks requested by the hiring authority. Employee must be willing to work in community emergency response capacity in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
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 and/or resume. Please refer to your account for the status of your application and this position.
This position is open until filled.
