Senior Benefit Programs Specialist

Overview

Performs difficult professional and technical work involving the determination or re‑determination of the eligibility of individuals for financial or medical assistance under government programs. Assists in overseeing the operation of the eligibility unit. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Specializes in multiple financial service programs.
• Conducts interviews of applicants to determine eligibility for assistance.
• Trains other employees in benefit programs.
• Processes applicants for financial assistance.
• Determines employability status of an applicant.
• Detects fraud cases and makes appropriate referrals.
• Performs duties as unit supervisor in their absence.
• Maintains benefit programs records.
• Prepares benefit programs reports and files applications on individual cases.
• Manages caseloads for applicants and recipients of federal, state and locally funded programs.
• Interprets policy to individuals, families and the public.
• Advises clients of other available services inside and outside the agency.
• Corresponds with families and other agencies as needed.
• Recommends changes in policy and procedure based on experience with clients, and re‑evaluates impact of changes on clients’ continuing eligibility.

High school diploma or equivalent.

Considerable experience as an Eligibility Worker or work in a related field.

• Thorough knowledge of public assistance programs, policies and regulations.
• Ability to make eligibility decisions independently by applying policies, rules and regulations to client's situation.
• Ability to apply instructions from public assistance program laws, regulations and policies.
• Ability to organize own and others’ work.
• Ability to analyze oral and written data, recognizing gaps and conflicting information.
• Ability to explain financial assistance programs in a manner such that explanations are understood by individuals of varied backgrounds.
• Ability to work with others by using interpersonal skills.
• Ability to obtain information through oral questions, interviews, forms and documents and to assemble the information in a clear and organized format.
• Ability to write letters, forms and documents independently, using correct grammar and spelling and to perform mathematical calculations accurately.
• Skill in the use of a personal computer.

Subject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results. Must also be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description.

May serve as unit supervisor during their absence.

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.

Mechanical hazards, chemical hazards, extreme temperatures, electrical hazards, noise and vibration, fire hazards, fumes and odors, explosives, wetness/humidity, communicable diseases, darkness or poor lighting, physical danger or abuse.

Office Environment.

Personal computer, fax machine, calculator, phone.

None.