Public Benefits Specialist III

About the role

Loudoun County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, known for its excellent quality of life and strong economy, while embracing its historic presence. Located 35 miles west of Washington DC, Loudoun County offers a diverse blend of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities. The Department of Family Services envisions better health, safety, and well-being for all, supporting individuals and families in the community to live their best lives while advocating for those most vulnerable and respecting their right to self-determination.

The Public Benefits Specialist III will be assigned various Public Benefits duties for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) programs that support the operational needs of the unit.

Responsibilities

• Determining eligibility for Public Assistance Programs applications by requesting appropriate documentation, applying applicable policy, and completing case documentation
• Providing coverage for caseloads for vacancies or absences, to include completing case reviews, taking timely action on reported changes
• Providing support to customers that have Public Benefits questions and resolving customer issues
• Providing back-up assistance to specialty programs, including Energy Assistance Programs (EAP) and Public Benefits Appeals
• Assist in the training of lower-level Public Benefits Program Specialists

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in field related to assigned area and two (2) years of directly related experience in a social/human service setting or equivalent combination of education and experience

Skills

• Knowledge of automated systems related to program area and job role
• Extensive knowledge of the policy and procedures for families, children, and adult public assistance programs
• Skill in conducting interviews to gather required information to determine eligibility for public assistance programs
• Skill in providing appropriate and effective case management for those applying for or receiving public assistance programs
• Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with clients, co-workers, staff, other professionals, officials, and the public
• Ability to manage competing priorities with high workloads and tight deadlines
• Ability to understand, interpret and apply policy appropriately in determining eligibility

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Public Benefits policy knowledge and experience processing SNAP and Medicaid applications and renewals

Additional Requirements

• Pass pre-employment background checks to include criminal, credit, Child Protective Services (CPS), and DMV
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record (driving records may be reviewed annually for continued qualification)
• Hold or obtain certifications required by the Department
• This position may be assigned and required to work at an alternate work site(s) to carry out duties that support the needs of the County’s residents or employees
• May be asked to work beyond regular scheduled workday including evenings and weekends, as required, to perform functions of position for assigned area
• Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs

Schedule

This position has up to a 4 day per week telework schedule after 90 days and a successful evaluation of performance.