Summary:
Reporting directly to the Benefit Programs Unit Manager, the Benefit Programs Specialist represents an entry level position responsible for 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. In addition, LDHS employees are required to staff Emergency Shelter Operations as needed.
The Benefit Programs Specialist represents the entry level in the Benefit Programs Specialist occupational group. Upon recommendation by the Unit Manager, approval by the Director, and successful completion of the training program, the employee shall be redefined to full performance Benefits Program Specialist II.
Essential Functions of the Position:
- 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.
- 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.
Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- 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;
- Must be able to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with , but not limited to, clients, courts, medical professionals, the public, government officials, co-workers, and other public and private agencies;
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, along with excellent customer service skills, to deal with a broad spectrum of individuals;
- Must have a proven ability to maintain professional ethics;
- Ability to maintain confidential information essential;
- Ability to resolve issues tactfully and diplomatically in a positive manner under sometimes stressful and sensitive situations;
- Must be able to demonstrate sound organizational, analytical, problem solving and effective listening skills;
- The ability to exercise sound professional and personal judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness and make independent decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures when problem solving;
- Requires excellent organizational skills, and keen attention to detail;
- Ability to interview, gather and analyze information, and determine from a variety of sources missing information and identify gaps,
- Ability to re-evaluate each client's situation, and make referrals;
- Ability to determine a client's ownership share in situations;
- Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written directions;
- Ability to accurately create and maintain complex records and prepare reports from such records;
- Ability to compose and prepare routine reports and correspondence;
- Ability to perform job requirements in a timely, accurate manner, including follow-through on tasks;
- Computer skills required to operate a personal computer and the associated office software and technology to establish and maintain accurate and complete case records, and to access, manipulate and verify data;
- A working knowledge of best practices of office procedures, English, grammar, punctuation;
- Skill in typing along with the ability to read, spell, proofread, file alphabetically, numerically and chronologically;
- Mathematical skills required to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems and make mathematical computations with accuracy.
- Requires regular attendance and adherence to County policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness and requesting time off from work.
Education, Experience and Training:
High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience OR any equivalent combination of training, experience and education which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Experience in benefit programs and use of computer software and hardware preferred but not required.
Working Conditions:
- Environmental: Work is typically performed in an indoor setting. The department is currently open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. This position will require a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the Department and the County to include evening, weekend occasional holiday hours, and in a disaster situation.
- Physical Effort: Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking or standing is required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
- Hazards: The Employee is subject to inside environmental conditions; protection from the weather conditions. No environmental hazards indicated for this classification.
Special Conditions or Requirements:
- Must be willing to submit to a criminal background and Motor Vehicles check.
- Must consent to drug testing consistent with Louisa County’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy.
- Must possess a valid Driver’s License.
- Must maintain a driving record consistent with insurance industry standards in order to drive a County vehicle.
- Twelve (12) month probationary period.
Disclaimer:
This information is of a general nature, and is not intended to be a comprehensive description of each and every duty. This position is also responsible for performing other duties as assigned.
We reserve the right to fill other positions that may be open from this applicant pool.
EEO/January, 2017
