County of Louisa
Department of Social Services
Benefit Programs Specialist II
Position Number – 00028 - Job Posting Number - 0035254
Summary:
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 stamps, 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.
Job Description:
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 stamps, 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. 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 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; explains programs and rights/responsibilities of applicants and recipients; explores other possible sources of income; 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.
Minimum Qualifications:
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. Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software. 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
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. Experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefit Programs training.
Special Requirements
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:
To be considered for this
position, you must apply on-line through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Recruitment Management System by going to
https://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov .
Louisa DSS will no longer accept applications by mail, e-mail or fax. A resume
will not substitute for a completed on-line State application.
Include the classification title, number and location of the position for which
you are applying on all forms that you submit. The application and any other
information which you wish to submit must be received by 5:00 pm, on Wednesday,
March 31, 2010.
Optional Applicant Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Required Applicant Documents
Contact Information:
Name: Sherry Vena, Louisa County, Human Resources Director
Phone: 540.967.3456
Fax: 540.967.3411
Email: svena@louisa.org
Address:
Louisa County Department of
Social Services
103 McDonald St.
P.O. Box 425
Louisa, VA 23093-0425
EOE
March 11, 2010