Benefit Programs Specialist (CD)

Benefit Programs Specialist

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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), Child Care, Medicaid, and Auxiliary Grants.

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

• Conduct applicant interviews to determine eligibility for assistance and determine their continuing eligibility
• Explain nature of benefit programs and determine reasons and need for assistance
• Process applications for financial assistance and diversion
• Explain client responsibilities, rights and program availability
• Determine eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods
• Evaluate consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy
• Interpret policies and procedures applicable to the various programs
• Monitor cases for changes in recipient circumstances, and implement changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines
• Evaluate employability status of clients and explore potential sources of income
• Refer clients to service workers as the result of overall assessment of situation
• Prepare reports and maintain client records
• Identify possible fraud and make appropriate referrals
• Compute assistance plans
• Determine the number of allowances for special circumstance items such as household equipment
• Identify discernible social problems and make referrals to Social Workers
• Provide applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services as needed
• Explain a variety of programs under the Social Services umbrella, such as employment services, child support services, and child care services
• Determine the need for and number of allowances for special circumstance items
• Evaluate social factors, such as education, work experience, and levels of social functionality
• Contact vendors for services and ensure payments to allow for the restoration or continuation of services.
• Monitor efficiency, trends of programs, and complete seasonal, quarterly, and yearly reporting
• Prepare quality control reporting and communicate recommendations to the direct supervisor
• Participate in task forces, contribute to strategic planning, mentor volunteers, students, and new employees, deliver instructional guidance, and engage in community outreach initiatives
• Review cases for accuracy, identify errors/problems in caseloads, and identify the source of the errors/problems
• Provide statistical data and other relevant support information related to the budget
• Document data and information collected, compare the findings with established program eligibility guidelines, and perform follow-up as needed
• Manage a caseload of clients receiving public assistance with complex issues
• Provide guidance to staff and the public regarding public assistance programs and eligibility criteria
• A Senior Benefit Programs Specialist functions as a lead contributor and supports the supervisor by delivering staff training on programs, reviewing case files, and providing backup supervision of team members.
• Coordinate training programs and onboarding sessions for new employees and clients
• Ensures that established deadlines are met
• Coordinate and collaborate with community resources and partners to support clients in addressing their identified needs
• Perform related work as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Hazards
  • May be required to effectively manage challenging customer interactions
• Environment
  • Office
  • Field May be required to visit clients in their homes
• Physical Effort
  • Must have the ability to lift fifteen (15) pounds
• FLSA
  • Non-Exempt

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have a comprehensive knowledge in the following subject matter:
  • Applicable laws, codes, public assistance program policies, regulations, and procedures, including Civil and Circuit Court procedures
  • Human behavior, social challenges and resources
  • Social, economic, health, and cultural factors that may act as barriers to employment, along with effective counseling strategies
  • Financial assistance programs sufficient to assess eligibility for benefits
  • Human services programs and their interrelationships
  • Strategic planning processes
  • Mathematical concepts including percentage calculations, formulas, and averages used to solve mathematical problems
  • Operation of a personal computer and the relevant office and agency software
  • Independently assess eligibility by applying policies, rules, and regulations
  • Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse range of individuals, including clients, employers, courts, and medical professionals, through in-person interactions and by telephone
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, public and private agencies, associates, and the general public in a positive and productive manner

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
• Must obtain valid Driver's License within 30 days of employment to be eligible to operate a county vehicle
• Twelve-month probationary period
• Work beyond normal work schedule may be required
• CPS (Child Protective Services) Check
• Mandatory participation in the Citizen Emergency Response On-call Plan

Hanover County is proud to provide our employees with the following comprehensive benefits package. Hanover provides a benefit package that provides for you in times of need, they offer an ongoing level of financial security, peace-of-mind, and healthy work-life balance. This is part of our goal to make Hanover County an attractive place to work. To see exactly what you will find with our offerings, click the link below: Benefits | Hanover County, VA This is an overview and does not provide all provisions, limitations, and exclusions. If there is a contradiction between this and the official plan documents, the plan documents will prevail. The Pamunkey Regional Jail and Library share some of the County benefits, please visit their website for more details.