State Of Virginia Pulaski , VA 24301
Posted 1 week ago
Hiring Range: $32,415.00 to Dependent upon experience
Full Time or Part Time: Part Time
Additional Detail
Title Description- This is a seasonal position. 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 for Energy Assistance. 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 -
Receives and processes applications for Energy Assistance
Handles all inquiries pertaining to Energy Assistance and responds efficiently
Interviews applicants by phone or in person to verify information and identify discrepancies and clarify circumstances
Explains Energy Assistance Program and determines reasons and need for assistance
Maintains caseload management and accuracy by evaluating reported changes
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
Refers clients to service worker as the result of overall assessment of situation; prepares reports and maintains client records
Identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals; evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy
Explores other possible sources of income
Computes assistance plans
Determines amount of allowances for special circumstance items such as household equipment
Identifies clearly discernible social problems and makes referrals to Social Workers
Provides applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services as needed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge- 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- High School diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience. Same as required in Benefit Program Specialist I with experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefit Programs training OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Special Requirements:
Special Instructions to Applicants:
State Of Virginia