Benefit Programs Specialist (CD)

Benefit Programs SpecialistThis 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 eligibilityExplain nature of benefit programs and determine reasons and need for assistanceProcess applications for financial assistance and diversionExplain client responsibilities, rights and program availabilityDetermine eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methodsEvaluate consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracyInterpret policies and procedures applicable to the various programsMonitor cases for changes in recipient circumstances, and implement changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelinesEvaluate employability status of clients and explore potential sources of incomeRefer clients to service workers as the result of overall assessment of situationPrepare reports and maintain client recordsIdentify possible fraud and make appropriate referralsCompute assistance plansDetermine the number of allowances for special circumstance items such as household equipmentIdentify discernible social problems and make referrals to Social WorkersProvide applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services as neededExplain a variety of programs under the Social Services umbrella, such as employment services, child support services, and child care servicesDetermine the need for and number of allowances for special circumstance itemsEvaluate social factors, such as education, work experience, and levels of social functionalityContact 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 reportingPrepare quality control reporting and communicate recommendations to the direct supervisorParticipate in task forces, contribute to strategic planning, mentor volunteers, students, and new employees, deliver instructional guidance, and engage in community outreach initiativesReview cases for accuracy, identify errors/problems in caseloads, and identify the source of the errors/problemsProvide statistical data and other relevant support information related to the budgetDocument data and information collected, compare the findings with established program eligibility guidelines, and perform follow-up as neededManage a caseload of clients receiving public assistance with complex issuesProvide guidance to staff and the public regarding public assistance programs and eligibility criteriaA 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 clientsEnsures that established deadlines are metCoordinate and collaborate with community resources and partners to support clients in addressing their identified needsPerform related work as assigned.Working Conditions:Hazards: May be required to effectively manage challenging customer interactionsEnvironment: Office, Field – May be required to visit clients in their homesPhysical Effort: Must have the ability to lift fifteen (15) poundsFLSA: Non-ExemptKnowledge, 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 proceduresHuman behavior, social challenges and resourcesSocial, economic, health, and cultural factors that may act as barriers to employment, along with effective counseling strategiesFinancial assistance programs sufficient to assess eligibility for benefitsHuman services programs and their interrelationshipsStrategic planning processesMathematical concepts including percentage calculations, formulas, and averages used to solve mathematical problemsOperation of a personal computer and the relevant office and agency softwareIndependently assess eligibility by applying policies, rules, and regulationsEffectively 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 telephoneEstablish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, public and private agencies, associates, and the general public in a positive and productive mannerEducation, 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 fingerprintingMust obtain valid Driver's License within 30 days of employment to be eligible to operate a county vehicleTwelve-month probationary periodWork beyond normal work schedule may be requiredCPS (Child Protective Services) CheckMandatory participation in the Citizen Emergency Response On-call Plan