#0057- Benefit Programs Specialist III: Social Services

Benefit Programs Specialist III represents the advanced level in the occupational group. Employees are assigned advanced technical functions or projects that require considerable knowledge of all public assistance functions such as fraud or quality control case review. Employees in this class conduct the initial and ongoing eligibility determinations requiring advanced program knowledge, or provide quality control by examining cases completed by other eligibility workers for accuracy and uniformity. Work is performed independently in accordance with well established guidelines and standards. The most complex situations are reviewed with the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications: High School diploma supplemented with related work experience in benefit programs OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, codes, policies, and procedures related to public assistance programs; basic human behavior; financial assistance programs sufficient to determine benefits eligibility; human services programs and how each interrelates; the strategic planning process; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and
interviewing techniques such as data collection, interrogation, and investigation.

Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases; read and interpret public policies and regulations sufficient to make decisions independently in a variety of public assistance program; train staff; speak in public, promoting agency programs; develop brochures and pamphlets and use audio-visual equipment; share learned information with co-workers; communicate effectively and diplomatically 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, reevaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals; determine a client’s ownership share in situations where multi-ownership exists; assess client’s needs through collection and analysis of employment history and pertinent personal, family and cultural information; 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; and identify customers’ needs and explore options to address these needs within the available community resources.

Preferred Qualifications:

*Experience in Benefit Programs.

*Completion of Benefit Programs training.

*Experience working at a Local Department of Social Services (LDSS).

Salary: $31,285 minimum (salary commensurate with experience). 

All state applications must be submitted online at https://virginiajobs.peopleadmin.com/postings/search.  Application deadline is 8/24/18.  EOE/AA Employer.