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Benefit Programs Specialist II
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Virginia
Benefit Programs Specialist II

Benefit Programs Specialist II

Portsmouth Full-Time 26000 - 44000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Help people access social services by determining eligibility for various assistance programs.
  • Company: Join a dedicated team focused on supporting individuals and families in need.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, potential for remote work, and valuable experience in social services.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing essential skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent; training in social services is a plus.
  • Other info: Opportunities for advancement to higher-level positions with increased responsibilities.

The predicted salary is between 26000 - 44000 ÂŁ per year.

Hiring Range: $32,415 to Salary commensurate with experience

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

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.
Title Description- Benefit Programs Specialist II represents the full performance level in the Benefit Programs Specialist occupational group. 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. Employees seek supervisory help for difficult or unusual situations only. The Benefit Programs Specialist II is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist III by the latter’s performing advanced technical work requiring depth and breadth of knowledge to understand, analyze and act on complex cases. Also, the Benefit Programs Specialist III serves as a technical resource for others regarding social services’ eligibility programs.
General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) –
    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.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : Knowledge– 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; 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 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 and Experience- Same as required in Benefit Program Specialist I with experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefit Programs training OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

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Benefit Programs Specialist II employer: Virginia

As a Benefit Programs Specialist II, you will thrive in a supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Our company offers comprehensive training programs, competitive salaries, and a commitment to work-life balance, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact in the community while advancing your career. Join us in a location that fosters collaboration and innovation, where your contributions are valued and recognised.
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Contact Detail:

Virginia Recruiting Team

View Virginia Profile

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Benefit Programs Specialist II

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific social services benefit programs relevant to the role. Understanding the eligibility criteria and processes for financial assistance, food stamps, and medical assistance will give you a solid foundation to discuss during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your interviewing skills! Since the role involves conducting interviews to determine eligibility, being able to demonstrate effective communication and data collection techniques will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your problem-solving abilities by preparing examples of how you've handled challenging situations in the past. This could involve discussing how you’ve used sound judgment and discretion in previous roles, which is crucial for this position.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current or former Benefit Programs Specialists if possible. They can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations of the role, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.

We think you need these skills to ace Benefit Programs Specialist II

Interviewing Techniques
Data Collection and Investigation
Mathematical Computation
Knowledge of Social Services Programs
Eligibility Determination
Effective Communication Skills
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Confidentiality and Professional Ethics
Client Relationship Management
Automated Technology Proficiency
Report Preparation
Judgment and Discretion

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of a Benefit Programs Specialist II. Focus on your ability to conduct interviews, evaluate eligibility, and communicate effectively.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of social services and your passion for helping others. Mention specific experiences where you've demonstrated the required skills, such as problem-solving and data analysis.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your knowledge of public service practices, financial assistance programs, and interviewing techniques. Use examples to illustrate how you've applied these skills in previous roles.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Virginia

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Benefit Programs Specialist II does. Familiarise yourself with the eligibility determination process and the various social services programs you'll be dealing with. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since the role involves interviewing clients and explaining complex benefit programs, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in challenging situations.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and judgement. Think of examples from your past experiences where you had to evaluate information, make decisions, or handle sensitive situations.

✨Demonstrate Your Technical Proficiency

Be ready to discuss your experience with computer software and data management systems. Highlight any relevant skills you have in using technology to maintain case records or analyse data, as this is crucial for the role.

Benefit Programs Specialist II
Virginia

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