Benefit Programs Specialist II

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking a Benefit Programs Specialist II in Williamsburg, a full‑time onsite role handling SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, VIEW, and Energy Assistance, with potential duties in related programs. You’ll interview applicants, determine eligibility, explain programs, process applications, monitor cases, and refer clients to services, while cross training across programs. Requirements include a high school diploma and at least one year of related experience, plus a valid Virginia driver’s license and acceptable background checks. Preference goes to candidates with experience in financial assistance programs, VDSS case management tools, and bilingual Spanish. For best results, tailor your resume to show eligibility work, data accuracy, policy interpretation, and clear communication, and emphasize adaptability and teamwork.

Benefit Programs include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP], Medicaid, Temporary 
Assistance for Needy Families [TANF], VIEW, and Energy Assistance. Other programs, as assigned, 
may include Long-term Care, Auxiliary Grants [AG], Child Care, and Fraud Prevention.  All positions 
are cross-trained, as needed, and workers may assume coordinating responsibilities.                             

                                                             Essential Job Functions:

• Conducts interviews and collects information to assess applicants’ eligibility for assistance programs to determine initial and ongoing eligibility 

• Explains benefit programs, available services, and client/applicant rights and responsibilities with clarity

• Processes applications for financial assistance; 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 adjusts benefit levels in accordance with policy guidelines 

• Evaluates the employability status of clients, explores potential sources of income, and computes assistance 

• Refers clients to service workers for additional support services; prepares reports and maintains accurate electronic client records

• Identifies potential fraud and makes appropriate referrals; evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and substantiates its accuracy when necessary

• Calculates special circumstance allowances to determine appropriate benefit levels 

• Provides case management benefit programs; processes renewals and interims, explains a variety of programs, such as employment services, child support services, and childcare services

• Responsible for emergency duties, including shelter duty or Emergency Operations Center staffing, in the event of a disaster, and services on a rotating duty roster for the duration of the event

• Performs other duties as assigned

                                                                 Qualifications:

  Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent; and

•  One (1) year of related work experience 

  Special Qualifications:

• Acceptable Criminal history, Child Protective Services, and DMV background checks, and drug screening
• Valid Virginia driver’s license          

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior work experience in financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/redetermine eligibility for benefits
• Experience with VDSS electronic case management system and search tools
• Bilingual (Spanish), skills with a competency to translate benefit program details

                                                                      Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•  Knowledge and understanding of local government, economic and basic human behavior issues, and financial assistance programs at the federal and state levels

• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs

• Skill in math and computation, with a high degree of accuracy

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a broad spectrum of individuals, including, but not limited to, co-workers, individuals with disabilities, and elderly individuals

• Ability to understand, interpret, and implement policies in a timely and accurate fashion

• Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems

• Ability to operate computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes

• Ability to 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

                                                                  Physical Demands:

The work requires the ability to exert moderate but not constant physical effort to perform light work, typically involving some combination of balancing, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, walking and may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 20 pounds), visual perception and discrimination, the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds, perceive and discriminate color, and require oral communications.

                                                                        Environment:

Work is regularly performed in a dynamic environment that requires the need to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs. 

Employees at all levels are expected to work effectively together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.