Benefit Programs Specialist I/II

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.

A Benefit Programs Specialist II represents the full-performance level in the Benefit Programs Specialist occupational group.

General tasks include but not limited to:

• 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 and 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.
  
• Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.

These positions will be filled as a BPS I or BPS II depending on selected candidates for employment. These positions could be in the Families and Children or Aged, Blind and Disabled Units as this is a multi-hire posting.

To be considered for these positions, the below qualifications must be met:

Knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and/or manipulate data. Demonstrated ability to interview, collect data, gather information and/or investigate. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to evaluate situations, analyze information, and apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form. Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions. Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality and establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.

For a BPS II must have a 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. Skill in operating a personal computer. 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.

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.

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.

The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

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

May require shelter duty during disasters and/or emergencies. Complete a minimum of 2 hours of Community Outreach as outlined by the Agency each year. These events are held outside of normal office hours. Driving record must meet agency standard.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, e-mailed, faxed 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 within the application and/or resume.

Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application and this position.

No applications accepted by mail.