Benefit Programs Specialist Ii-Eap/Iv-E (Shenandoah Valley)

Hiring Range: $41,862 to $43,955

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

This is a technical position. This position will primarily assist with determining IV-E Foster Care Medicaid eligibility and may assist with Energy Assistance. The incumbent's responsibilities are related to the determination and re-determination of eligibility of individuals and families for financial, food and/or medical assistance, and for other social services' benefits programs.

The work is performed within established policies, procedures, and guidelines, but certain aspects of eligibility determination require independent judgment, especially as related to the evaluation of social factors determining eligibility.

General work tasks include but not limited to:

• Review applications, interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, re-determines their continued eligibility.

• Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance.

• Scans application and information into system.

• Completes other duties as assigned.

• Works closely with services workers to gather essential case information.

• Assists in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required.

The Benefit Programs Specialist II reports directly to the Benefit Programs Senior Worker, Family Services Specialist Supervisor or Assistant Director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services working with diverse populations.

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.

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 with 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, re-evaluate each client's situation, and make referrals; determine a client's ownership share in situations; make mathematical computations; 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, reports, and 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 Experience: Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services working with diverse populations.

Working knowledge of Benefit Programs and eligibility requirements for the programs assigned, and available community resources. Some knowledge of laws, regulations, requirements and policies Local, State and Federal social, assistance and housing programs. Possess interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution in working with clients, professionals, and employees; desire ability to create forms, charts, and graphs and make decisions based upon specific criteria's; read and interpret documents such as policy manuals, rules and procedures, operating and maintenance instructions; and conduct effective interviews both face-to face and by telephone.

Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of a high school diploma supplemented with additional education and benefit program experience or combination of education and financial background or related human services background.

Proficient in use of various computer software programs and data entry. Twelve-month probation period required for completion of Benefit Program training. Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Some overnight travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications: Spanish, bi-lingual, skills helpful.

Special Requirements: Applicants must pass Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

APPLICATIONS, RESUMES, AND REFERENCES FOR THIS POSITION MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY THROUGH THIS WEBSITE. RESUME AND REFERENCES MUST BE PROVIDED WITH THE APPLICATION AS WELL.

MAILED, EMAILED, FAXED, OR HAND DELIVERED APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. THIS WEBSITE WILL PROVIDE A CONFIRMATION RECEIPT WHEN THE APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED FOR CONSIDERATION.

Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information provided. Applications/Resumes must include complete work history.

Please refer to your RMS account for the status of the application of this position.