What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefit Programs Specialist position at Roanoke County, VA?
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Performs routine professional and technical work in the Department of Social Services. Processes applications for financial or medical assistance under government programs. May deal with emotional clients, especially when benefits have been denied. Performs other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Interviews applicants as part of eligibility determination process
- Explains available programs, rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients
- Processes applications for financial assistance
- Determines employability status of an applicant
- Detects fraud cases and makes appropriate referrals
- Maintains eligibility reports and files applications for individual cases
- Advises clients of other available services inside and outside the agency
- Corresponds with families and other agencies as needed
- Accurately completes and submits reports for financial assistance in accordance with Federal and State deadlines
- Recommends changes in policy and procedure based on experience with clients, and re-evaluates impact of changes on clients' continuing eligibility.
REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES
Education
Required: High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience
Preferred: Some experience with public assistance programs
Certifications/ Licenses
None
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- General knowledge of effective interviewing methods and techniques
- Ability to apply instructions from public assistance program laws, regulations and policies
- Ability to organize own work in an efficient manner
- Ability to analyze oral and written data, recognizing gaps and conflicting information
- Ability to explain financial assistance programs in a manner that is understood by individuals of varied backgrounds
- Ability to work with others using interpersonal skills
- Skill in obtaining information through oral questioning, forms and documents and to assemble the information into a clear and organized format
- Ability to write letters, forms and documents, using correct grammar and spelling
- Ability to perform mathematical calculations accurately
- Skill in the use of a personal computer
Additional Requirements
Subject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results. Must be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description.
Supervisory
Responsibilities
None
