Benefit Programs Specialist II - UVA Medicaid Unit

About the role

The Benefit Programs Specialist II- Eligibility Worker (UVA Medicaid Unit) is responsible for interviewing applicants/recipients, determining eligibility for various benefit programs, processing applications, and ensuring clients receive maximum eligible benefits. They also research, interpret, and apply policy and procedures, maintain records, and respond to appeals.

Responsibilities

• Interviews applicants/recipients, adapting techniques to meet the needs/abilities of the client (UVA Hospital)
• Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods
• Processes applications for benefit programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, Energy, General Relief, Auxiliary Grants, Refugee Cash and/or Medical Assistance
• Compiles and analyzes information and policy to determine and redetermine ongoing eligibility for financial, medical, and other governmental programs
• Computes income and resource eligibility timely, accurately, and completely based on complex state and federal guidelines
• Ensures clients receive maximum eligible benefits
• Explains available benefit programs, rights and responsibilities, other agency services, and community resources
• Identifies social problems and makes referrals to social workers as needed
• Researches, interprets, and applies mandated programmatic policy and procedures based on state and federal guidelines
• Ensures integrity in benefits delivery and caseload management by maintaining records according to established guidelines and identifying errors/potential fraud and making appropriate referrals
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy
• Responds to appeal requests, prepares appeal summaries and all supporting documentation, and participates in appeal hearings
• Attends and participates in unit and agency meetings by sharing knowledge, experiences, and information
• Participates in agency workgroups and/or teams
• Attends and participates in ongoing training, learning, and growth opportunities
• Recommends changes in internal policy and procedures based on experience and knowledge

Requirements

• High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience, or equivalent combination of training and experience
• Strongly preferred, but not required: Bachelor's degree; Direct eligibility experience; Experience working effectively and successfully within a team; Experience working with populations with limited English proficiency

Competencies

• Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities: General knowledge of interviewing and time management skills and principles and practices of public social service organizations; Some knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and of human behavior and social functioning; Knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas, and averages to solve mathematical problems; Knowledge of interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
• Ability to analyze information and policy and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps; Ability to access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate; Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; Ability to work effectively within and around teams; Ability to operate a computer and software; High level of attention to detail; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, management, and the public consistent with the agency’s Quality Caseload Standards; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a team environment; Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, orally and in writing; Ability to prepare clear and concise reports; Ability to organize/manage own work schedule; Ability to plan, manage, coordinate, and prioritize multiple and varied activities and projects.

Benefits

• 12 paid holidays
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Health insurance options with employer contribution
• Employer-paid life insurance
• VRS retirement
• Continuing education/training opportunities

Pay

• Hiring range: $28.34 - $31.32 per hour (approx. $58,948 - $65,153 per year)
• Starting offer based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity

Schedule

• Full-time, FLSA non-exempt position

Qualifications

• None specified