Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

The Rappahannock Department of Social Services seeks an energetic and versatile team player committed to working for best possible outcomes for clients and community to join our agency in a Benefit Programs Specialist I or Benefit Programs Specialist II position.

Rappahannock County is a rural county in the northern region of Virginia with a population of about 7,400\. The agency office is in the town of Washington, Virginia, approximately 120 miles northwest of Richmond and 65 miles southwest of Washington, DC. The town is surrounded by the beautiful Blueridge Mountains and rolling farmlands.

As an agency, we believe in the power of the team, exercising creativity and commitment in meeting the needs of our clients and community, and growing our agency and ourselves. Work\-Life harmony is an agency core value, and the agency’s caseload per worker compares favorably with other local departments of social services. After 90 days of employment and demonstration of an acceptable level of program knowledge and proficiency in areas of assignment, a Benefit Programs Specialist is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule of up to 2 days remote/3 days on\-site. Additional remote days for virtual training and/or other events are determined on a case\-by\-case basis.

Benefit Programs Specialist I represents the entry level in the occupational group for employees working under close supervision while being trained in determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs. Upon successful completion of required trainings and the demonstration of acceptable level of knowledge and proficiency in area of assignment, a Benefit Programs Specialist I is eligible for an administrative promotion to Benefit Programs Specialist II.

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 of individuals and families for financial assistance, food assistance, medical assistance, and for other social services’ benefit programs. 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.

General work tasks include but are not limited to:

• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and re\-determines their continuing eligibility
• Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods
• 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
• Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential sources of Income
• Explains client responsibilities, rights, and program availability
• Refers clients to service worker as needed 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
• Provides applicants or clients with information about other agencies where they may obtain services as needed
• Explains a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services, and childcare services.

Maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.

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Minimum Qualifications

Benefit Programs Specialist I

• High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Some knowledge of basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.

Benefit Programs Specialist II

• High school diploma supplemented with experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefits Program training; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• 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.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a broad spectrum of individuals to include customers, employers, court personnel, and medical professionals in person, virtual settings, email, and over the phone.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a local department of social services.
• Experience in processing public assistance applications using VACMS and other related software.

Special Requirements

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal Background search, central registry (CPS) search, DMV (driving record) and/or pre\-employment drug screen. The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI) local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment) credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of required checks and screenings.

Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter, in alternative location to office, or in an alternative work schedule, in the event of a natural disaster or other locally declared emergency.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Agency is located in Washington, Virginia (Rappahannock County) NOT the Northern Neck or neighboring communities. Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, e\-mailed, faxed or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information provided within the application/resume.