Benefit Programs Specialist (CD)

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General Description: This is a paraprofessional position. The incumbent performs routine tasks to determine a customer's eligibility for Social Services benefits, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid and Auxiliary Grants. 

Organization: The Benefit Programs Specialist position is part of Hanover County's Career Development Program (CD). The Benefit Programs Specialist has four levels ranging from Benefit Programs Specialist I to Benefit Programs Specialist - Senior. The incumbent reports to a Benefit Programs Supervisor or Benefit Programs Manager and supervises no staff.

Essential Functions:

· Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines their continuing eligibility; exercises sound judgment;

· Explains nature of benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance;

· Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability; determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods;

· Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy; 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;

· Refers clients to service worker as the result of overall assessment of situation; prepares reports and maintains client records;

· Identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals;

· Computes assistance plans;

· Determines the amount of allowances for special circumstance items such as household equipment;

· Identifies clearly discernible social problems and makes referrals to Social Workers;

· Provides applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services as needed.

· Explains a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services and child care services.

· Determines the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items;

· Evaluates such social factors as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning;

· Contacts vendors for services and ensures payments to allow for the restoration or continuation of services.

· Monitors efficacy, trends of programs, and completes seasonal, quarterly and yearly reports; Prepares reports regarding quality control and makes recommendations to the supervisor;

· Participates on task forces, strategic planning, mentoring volunteers, students and new employees, teaching classes, and conducting outreach;

· Reviews cases for correctness, identifies significant errors/problems in caseloads and determines if the errors/problems are with the section, unit or with an employee;

· Provides statistical data and other information to support budget requests;

· Documents data and information gathered and compares findings with established guidelines of program eligibility; Conducts follow-up as needed;

· Carries a caseload of clients receiving public assistance that involve complex issues;

· Serves as a resource to staff and the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements;

· A senior worker serves as lead worker and assists supervisor by conducting program training for staff, reviewing case files and providing back-up supervision of staff;

· Provides training to other workers on an individual or group basis;

  Coordinates training programs and orientation for new employees and clients; ensures that established deadlines are met;

· Coordinates and interacts with other community resources and partners to assist clients in meeting assessed needs.

· Performs related work as assigned.

 

Working Conditions:

A. Hazards

· Customers – May interact with difficult customers.

B. Environment

· Office

· Field – May be required to visit customers in their homes.

C. Physical Effort

· Policy Manual – Must be able to lift up to fifteen (15) pounds.

D. Non-exempt

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  Comprehensive knowledge of: applicable laws, codes, public assistance program policies and regulations, and procedures, including civil and Circuit Court procedures; basic human behavior, social problems and resources, and interviewing techniques; social, economic, health, and cultural factors which can serve as barriers to employment; and counseling techniques; 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;

Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software; ability to make eligibility determinations independently by applying policies, rules and regulations; knowledge of, preferred; must be computer literate, preferably in Microsoft Office and Social Services Information Systems.

Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively 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, re-evaluate each client's situation, and make referrals; determine a client's ownership share in situations; make mathematical computations; analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; 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.

Education, Experience and Training: High school diploma or equivalent required (bachelor's degree preferred) with recent eligibility and/or social services experience desired – OR – Any equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities is acceptable. Higher levels on the Career Ladder require additional education, experience and training. A senior worker will possess work experience in a leadership role and benefit programs. 

Special Conditions:

· Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting

· Work beyond normal work schedule

· CPS (Child Protective Services) Check

· Twelve-month probationary period

· Mandatory Participant in the Citizen Emergency Response On-call Plan

 

Revision Date: July 2013

If you are selected for this position, you will be required to provide a copy of your diploma/degree and certifications.

Salary : $45,676 - $63,000