Benefit Programs Specialist, I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services

. Conduct interviews to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determine continuing eligibility .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeMartinsville • Virginia • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $32,415 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in conducting interviews to assess eligibility for assistance, evaluating client needs, and processing applications for financial aid. Proficient in utilizing automated technology for case management and maintaining confidentiality while fostering effective working relationships.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Interviewing TechniquesData CollectionMathematics KnowledgeVaCMS System ExperienceEffective Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Eligibility DeterminationData EvaluationAssistance Plan ComputationInformation AnalysisCase Record Management

Soft Skills

Sound JudgmentDiscretionResourcefulnessTactStress Management

Tools & Technologies

Personal ComputerOffice SoftwareAgency SoftwareAutomated Technology

Certifications & Qualifications

Criminal History Background CheckCentral Registry SearchDMV/Driving Record CheckPre-Employment Drug Screen

Industry Keywords

Temporary Assistance Benefit ProgramsClient ResponsibilitiesSocial Factors EvaluationClient Employability AssessmentCommunity Emergency Shelter

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct interviews to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determine continuing eligibility
Explain temporary assistance benefit programs, client responsibilities, rights, and program availability
Determine reasons and need for assistance
Process applications for financial assistance and diversion
Evaluate the consistency and completeness of collected data and substantiate accuracy when indicated
Compute assistance plans
Determine the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstances
Evaluate social factors including education, work experience, and levels of social functioning
Evaluate client employability and explore potential income sources
Work under close supervision while training at the Specialist I level
Independently determine eligibility and make judgments under established policies and applicable laws at the Specialist II level
Seek supervisory assistance for difficult or unusual situations

Requirements

What you’ll need

High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of basic human behavior
Mathematics knowledge for calculating percentages, formulas and averages
Interviewing techniques including data collection and investigation
Skill operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Ability to interview, gather information, evaluate situations, and analyze information
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness
Ability to use automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional ethics
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships under stressful situations
Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen
Willingness to participate in a rotating after-hours on-call schedule
Willingness to work in the community emergency shelter during natural disasters or emergencies
Experience using the VaCMS system preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Corresponding salary increase upon redefinition from Benefit Programs Specialist I to II after successful training completion
Rotating after-hours on-call schedule
Opportunity to participate in community emergency shelter operations during natural disasters or emergencies