What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefits Programs Specialist - Interim position at State of Vermont?
Overview
Who We Are:
The Economic Services Division (ESD) is responsible for the administration of benefits to help Vermonters meet their basic needs. ESD is one of 6 divisions under the Department for Children and Families (DCF) which is one of the largest departments (1000 employees) within the largest agency (Agency of Human Services) in the state of Vermont.
ESD Leadership recognizes that the division's biggest resource is our staff and is committed to continuously looking at ways to strengthen and support our workforce.
This position is located in the Barre district office, which is known for: strong community partnerships; office comradery; staff who are supportive of one another; and a sense of community among the divisions within DCF and other departments sharing the building space. This is an interim position with an anticipated end date of 06/30/25. In addition to the duties of a BPS as outlined below, it is possible that the position may include duties related to the administrative functioning of the office to provide additional support to the administrative staff, given the shortened nature of the position.
The Role
The Benefits Programs Specialist's (BPS) primary role is to determine eligibility of those who have applied for benefits. The BPS is also responsible for providing timely and accurate benefits to those who meet the criteria. ESD is looking for someone to join this team who:
This position, Benefits Programs Specialist - Interim (Job Requisition #52004), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Bridgette.Kew@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.
Environmental Factors
Duties are primarily performed in an office setting, but private means of transportation should be available for necessary travel to training and/or meetings. Workload is typically heavy with a constant need for prompt, accurate decisions. Incumbents must be organized and able to function independently while balancing competing priorities. Clientele can present with a variety of challenges resulting in a need to calmly and professionally manage situations in which applicants may be in a heightened emotional state, angry, frustrated, unable to communicate, and/or discouraged.
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years or more of experience in a customer service environment that included: regular use of computer programs AND clerical work and data entry.
OR
Bachelor's degree in a human service or financial field.
OR
One (1) year or more of experience as a Benefits Programs Specialist Trainee.
Total Compensation
As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:
Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.
Who We Are:
The Economic Services Division (ESD) is responsible for the administration of benefits to help Vermonters meet their basic needs. ESD is one of 6 divisions under the Department for Children and Families (DCF) which is one of the largest departments (1000 employees) within the largest agency (Agency of Human Services) in the state of Vermont.
ESD Leadership recognizes that the division's biggest resource is our staff and is committed to continuously looking at ways to strengthen and support our workforce.
This position is located in the Barre district office, which is known for: strong community partnerships; office comradery; staff who are supportive of one another; and a sense of community among the divisions within DCF and other departments sharing the building space. This is an interim position with an anticipated end date of 06/30/25. In addition to the duties of a BPS as outlined below, it is possible that the position may include duties related to the administrative functioning of the office to provide additional support to the administrative staff, given the shortened nature of the position.
The Role
The Benefits Programs Specialist's (BPS) primary role is to determine eligibility of those who have applied for benefits. The BPS is also responsible for providing timely and accurate benefits to those who meet the criteria. ESD is looking for someone to join this team who:
- can demonstrate empathy, concern, and respects for all customers
- is a critical thinker who can apply program rules to complex and dynamic situations
- thrives in a busy work environment and assisting customers over the phone
- has experience working with individuals who may be distraught and emotional
- enjoys working on a team
- is open to learning new technology
- We may offer flex scheduling or alternative work schedules based upon policy
- 11 paid holidays, plus sick and vacation time
- Excellent, health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
- Retirement plans, including a pension
- Parental leave for all new parents, including adoptions
- Working with a staff who is dedicated to supporting children and families, including your own
This position, Benefits Programs Specialist - Interim (Job Requisition #52004), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Bridgette.Kew@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.
Environmental Factors
Duties are primarily performed in an office setting, but private means of transportation should be available for necessary travel to training and/or meetings. Workload is typically heavy with a constant need for prompt, accurate decisions. Incumbents must be organized and able to function independently while balancing competing priorities. Clientele can present with a variety of challenges resulting in a need to calmly and professionally manage situations in which applicants may be in a heightened emotional state, angry, frustrated, unable to communicate, and/or discouraged.
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years or more of experience in a customer service environment that included: regular use of computer programs AND clerical work and data entry.
OR
Bachelor's degree in a human service or financial field.
OR
One (1) year or more of experience as a Benefits Programs Specialist Trainee.
Total Compensation
As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:
- 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
- Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
- State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
- Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
- Low cost group life insurance
- Incentive-based Wellness Program
- Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.
