Benefit Programs Specialist



Benefit Programs Specialist

Salary

$37,064.35 - $40,770.79 Annually

Location

Roanoke, VA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

201002809

Department

Social Services

Opening Date

01/20/2023

Closing Date

3/5/2023 11:59 PM Eastern

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 
NON ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Recommends changes in policy and procedure based on experience with clients, and re-evaluates impact of changes on clients' continuing eligibility.

REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES

Education
Required: High school diploma or equivalent. 
Experience
Preferred: Some experience with public assistance programs
 
Certifications/ Licenses
 
None
Knowledge, 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 Requirements
Subject 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.
 
Supervisory 
Responsibilities
None 

OTHER INFORMATION

 
OVERALL PHYSICAL STRENGTH DEMAND 
LIGHT
Lift 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 DEMANDS
C = Continuously
5.5 to 8+ hours daily
F = Frequently
2.5 to 5.5 hours daily
O = Occasionally
Up to 2.5 hours daily
R = Rarely
Less than 1 hour per week
N = Never
Never occurs
Code
Physical Demand
Code
Physical Demand
F
Standing
C
Sitting
F
Walking
O
Lifting
O
Carrying
O
Pushing/Pulling
O
Reaching
O
Handling
O
Fine Dexterity
O
Kneeling
O
Crouching
R
Crawling
O
Bending
R
Twisting
R
Climbing
R
Balancing
F
Vision (Correction Required)
C
Hearing
C
Talking
N
Foot Controls (driving, operation of equip, etc.)
 
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
D = Daily
W = Several Times Per Week
M = Several Times Per Month
S = Seasonally
R - Rarely
N = Never
Code
Health and Safety
Code
Environmental Factors
N
Mechanical Hazards
R
Dirt and Dust
N
Chemical Hazards
N
Extreme Temperatures
N
Electrical Hazards
R
Noise and Vibration
N
Fire Hazards
R
Fumes and Odors
N
Explosives
R
Wetness/Humidity
M
Communicable Diseases
R
Darkness or Poor Lighting
M
Physical Danger or Abuse
 
Other (specify) 
 
PRIMARY WORK LOCATION 
Office Environment
 
MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, WORK AIDS
Personal computer, fax machine, calculator, phone
 
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
None

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

Agency
County of Roanoke Virginia
Address
5204 Bernard Drive

Roanoke, Virginia, 24018
Phone
540-772-2018