Benefit Programs Specialist III

Hiring Range: $34,752 to Commensurate with Experience

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Job Description: This is an essential position. Conducts eligibility interviews with clients in office or via satellite locations and makes initial determinations of eligibility for benefit programs; evaluates qualifications for financial assistance programs based on information from clients and makes determinations in accordance with program policies; enters financial and non-financial data into appropriate VDSS systems; submits local reports and reports in accordance with federal and state guidelines; reviewing cases for timeliness and accuracy; conducts outreach and training of policies and procedures. Detects fraud cases and makes appropriate referrals; provides emergency shelter duty in times of emergencies and natural disasters. Reviews broadcasts on VDSS homepage. Serves as lead worker and supports Supervisor by ensuring staff coverage and back-up duties as required.

Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s): 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. Ability to: comprehend and apply public assistance programs, considerable knowledge of policies and regulations; ability to: schedule and manage own workload; skill in use of micro-computer and computer software; ability to: interview customers to collect and analyze statistical data for financial accountability sufficient to recognize gaps and conflicting information to ensure completeness and accuracy of data, to make complex eligibility decisions and detect fraud; ability to: oversee the work of others. Employee must have a positive attitude and helpful demeanor, and exhibit a professional working relationship with staff, clients, and the community. Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.

Qualifications – Education, Experience, Licensure, and Certification: Considerable Experience in benefit programs, financial calculations, customer services and skill in the use of micro-computer and computer software preferred. High school education preferred.