New Job Benefit Programs Specialist I (Nottoway) In Virginia

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.

General Working Tasks (Illustrative Only):

• Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and determines their continued eligibility. )
• Does nature explain the nature of temporary assistance programs and determine the reasons and need for support?
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion, explains client responsibilities; rights and program availability.
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of secured data, and indicates where it supports its accuracy.
• Computes assistance plans;
• Describes the need for and amount of special circumstances for items;
• Evaluates such social factors as education, work experience and levels of social functioning.
• Evaluates the employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge- 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.

Skills- Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.

Abilities- 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.

Education and 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.

Special Requirements: Mandatory attendance for any Emergency Operations Shelter or Center due to a natural or man-made disaster or extreme temperatures.