Benefit Programs Specialist
Roanoke County
Roanoke, VA
Full-time
Education
Posted on January 20, 2023
- GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Performs routine professional and technical work in the Department of Social Services. Processes applications for financial or medical assistance under government programs. May deal with emotional clients, especially when benefits have been denied. Performs other duties as assigned.
- ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Interviews applicants as part of eligibility determination process
- Explains available programs, rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients
- Processes applications for financial assistance
- Determines employability status of an applicant
- Detects fraud cases and makes appropriate referrals
- Maintains eligibility reports and files applications for individual cases
- Advises clients of other available services inside and outside the agency
- Corresponds with families and other agencies as needed
- Accurately completes and submits reports for financial assistance in accordance with Federal and State deadlines
- Recommends changes in policy and procedure based on experience with clients, and re-evaluates impact of changes on clients' continuing eligibility.
- REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES
- EducationRequired: High school diploma or equivalent.ExperiencePreferred: Some experience with public assistance programsCertifications/ LicensesNoneKnowledge, Skills and Abilities
- General knowledge of effective interviewing methods and techniques
- Ability to apply instructions from public assistance program laws, regulations and policies
- Ability to organize own work in an efficient manner
- Ability to analyze oral and written data, recognizing gaps and conflicting information
- Ability to explain financial assistance programs in a manner that is understood by individuals of varied backgrounds
- Ability to work with others using interpersonal skills
- Skill in obtaining information through oral questioning, forms and documents and to assemble the information into a clear and organized format
- Ability to write letters, forms and documents, using correct grammar and spelling
- Ability to perform mathematical calculations accurately
- Skill in the use of a personal computer
Additional RequirementsSubject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results. Must be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description.SupervisoryResponsibilitiesNone - OTHER INFORMATION
- OVERALL PHYSICAL STRENGTH DEMANDLIGHTLift and/or exert force up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs frequently, or insignificant amounts constantly OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree.PHYSICAL DEMANDSC = Continuously5.5 to 8+ hours dailyF = Frequently2.5 to 5.5 hours dailyO = OccasionallyUp to 2.5 hours dailyR = RarelyLess than 1 hour per weekN = NeverNever occursCodePhysical DemandCodePhysical DemandFStandingCSittingFWalkingOLiftingOCarryingOPushing/PullingOReachingOHandlingOFine DexterityOKneelingOCrouchingRCrawlingOBendingRTwistingRClimbingRBalancingFVision (Correction Required)CHearingCTalkingNFoot Controls (driving, operation of equip, etc.)ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORSD = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyR - RarelyN = NeverCodeHealth and SafetyCodeEnvironmental FactorsNMechanical HazardsRDirt and DustNChemical HazardsNExtreme TemperaturesNElectrical HazardsRNoise and VibrationNFire HazardsRFumes and OdorsNExplosivesRWetness/HumidityMCommunicable DiseasesRDarkness or Poor LightingMPhysical Danger or AbuseOther (specify)PRIMARY WORK LOCATIONOffice EnvironmentMACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, WORK AIDSPersonal computer, fax machine, calculator, phonePROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIREDNone
Part-time employees are not eligible for employee benefits.
Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefit package that includes:- Progressive Flexible Leave Plan with cash-in option
- Twelve paid holidays
- Short Term Disability Insurance
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Health, Vision and Dental Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts - Medical and Dependent Care
- Virginia Retirement System - Membership in VRS is automatic upon hire into a covered position. County contributes and employees pay their membership contribution.
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Credit Union Membership
- Deferred Compensation Plan with County Match