JOB
Learn more about our team here..... https://youtu.be/M6LN0u1pB9Q
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.
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:
-
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
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
