Title Description- Benefit Programs Specialist I represents the entry level in the occupational group for employees working under close supervision while being trained in determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs. Upon recommendation by the supervisor, approval by the director, and successful completion of the training program, the employee shall be redefined to full-performance Benefit Programs Specialist II with a corresponding salary increase as indicated by the local department’s compensation plan. Benefit Programs Specialist I is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist II by the latter’s performing all the assigned eligibility duties independently and making judgments following agency practices and procedures and mandated federal, state, or local laws and policies. 

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) – 

• Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines their continuing eligibility;
• Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance; 
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability; 
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy; 
• Computes assistance plans; 
• 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; and 
• Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge- Some knowledge of: basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.

Skills- Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.

Abilities- Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.

Education and Experience- High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Minimum Qualifications: To be considered for this position, these qualifications must be met: knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas, and averages to solve mathematical problems, demonstrate ability to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports, and/or manipulate data. Demonstrate ability to interview, collect data, and gather and/or investigate information. Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Have the ability to evaluate situations, analyze information, as well as follow directions given orally or in writing. Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions. Ability to maintain professional ethics as it pertains to confidentiality and effective working relationships with clients and co-workers while keeping a positive and tactful demeanor during certain stressful situations.

Preferred Qualifications: High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience or the equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Prefer experience in benefit programs in a local department of social services and completion of benefit Programs training, as well as experience with agency related software. Prefer experience with working on Long Term Care Medicaid cases.

Special Requirements: Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and a preemployment drug screening. The investigation may include fingerprints (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verifications and references, verification to education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks as requested by the hiring authority.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.

Employee must be willing to work in the community shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through the website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, and or hand delivered applications will not be accepted. This website will provide a confirmation receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information provided on this application.