DescriptionLearn more about our team here..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), 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:· Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines their continuing eligibility; exercises sound judgment;· Explains nature of benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance;· Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability; determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods;· Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy; 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;· 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;· 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.· Determines the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance items;· Evaluates such social factors as education, work experience, and levels of social functioning;· Contacts vendors for services and ensures payments to allow for the restoration or continuation of services.· Monitors efficacy, trends of programs, and completes seasonal, quarterly and yearly reports; Prepares reports regarding quality control and makes recommendations to the supervisor;· Participates on task forces, strategic planning, mentoring volunteers, students and new employees, teaching classes, and conducting outreach;· Reviews cases for correctness, identifies significant errors/problems in caseloads and determines if the errors/problems are with the section, unit or with an employee;· Provides statistical data and other information to support budget requests;· Documents data and information gathered and compares findings with established guidelines of program eligibility; Conducts follow-up as needed;· Carries a caseload of clients receiving public assistance that involve complex issues;· Serves as a resource to staff and the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements;· A senior worker serves as lead worker and assists supervisor by conducting program training for staff, reviewing case files and providing back-up supervision of staff;· Provides training to other workers on an individual or group basis;Coordinates training programs and orientation for new employees and clients; ensures that established deadlines are met;· Coordinates and interacts with other community resources and partners to assist clients in meeting assessed needs.· Performs related work as assigned.Working Conditions:A. Hazards· Customers - May interact with difficult customers.B. Environment· Office· Field - May be required to visit customers in their homes.C. Physical Effort· Policy Manual - Must be able to lift up to fifteen (15) pounds.D. Non-exemptKnowledge, Skills and Abilities: Comprehensive knowledge of: applicable laws, codes, public assistance program policies and regulations, and procedures, including civil and Circuit Court procedures; basic human behavior, social problems and resources, and interviewing techniques; social, economic, health, and cultural factors which can serve as barriers to employment; and counseling techniques; financial assistance programs sufficient to determine benefits eligibility; human services programs and how each interrelates; the strategic planning process; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems;Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software; ability to make eligibility determinations independently by applying policies, rules and regulations; knowledge of, preferred; must be computer literate, preferably in Microsoft Office and Social Services Information Systems.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.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· Work beyond normal work schedule· CPS (Child Protective Services) Check· Twelve-month probationary period· Mandatory Participant in the Citizen Emergency Response On-call PlanRevision Date: July 2013Special Instructions to ApplicantsIf you are selected for this position, you will be required to provide a copy of your diploma/degree and certifications.SUMMARY OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITSHanover 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: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.
