Title:  Benefits Programs Specialist - Limited Service

Overview

This position will be responsible for assisting individuals with completing an application, conducting an interview to determine need for emergency housing, and working with hotels to arrange a reservation. The Benefits Programs Specialist may be faced with a variety of challenges, including but not limited to, highly emotional conditions: anger, belligerence, crying, inability to communicate, and attempts at falsification. Therefore, considerable communication skills are needed in working with these applicants, program recipients, community partners, and hotel employees. This position differs from the Trainee position as they typically handle the more complex cases. They must have the ability to comprehend and apply complex instruction and program regulations.

We are posting for a Benefits Programs Specialist Trainee and a Benefits Programs Specialist, these are limited service positions that expire June 30, 2022. If you would like to be considered for more than one of these positions, you must apply to both requisitions.  We will only be filling one or the other, depending on the successful candidate's qualifications.

Who May Apply

This position, Benefits Programs Specialist - Limited Service (Job Requisition #20921), is open to all State employees and external applicants. It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs. 

Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition. 

 

Benefits Programs Specialist Trainee: Job Requisition 20901

 

Benefits Programs Specialist: Job Requisition 20921

 

If you would like more information about this position, please contact ann.szeto@vermont.gov.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.

 

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS:  Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position.  In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

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Class Definition

Technical and limited social services work in the Department for Children & Families (DCF) of the Agency of Human Services involving the determination of applicant eligibility for financial assistance and other various DCF administered assistance programs including but not limited to 3SquaresVT, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance, Essential Persons and Fuel Assistance. Duties also include determination of applicant needs and referral to other appropriate resources and advocacy for services. Excellent communication skills are needed in working with applicants and program recipients. Work is performed under the supervision of an Economic Services Supervisor. All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Environmental Factors

Duties are primarily performed in an office setting, but private means of transportation should be available for necessary travel to training and/or meetings. Workload is typically heavy with a constant need for prompt, accurate decisions. Incumbents must be organized and able to function independently while balancing competing priorities. Clientele can present with a variety of challenges resulting in a need to calmly and professionally manage situations in which applicants may be in a heightened emotional state, angry, frustrated, unable to communicate, and/or discouraged.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent AND four (4) years or more of experience in direct client services in a human services, education or employment and training setting.

OR

Associate's degree or higher AND two (2) years or more of experience in direct client services in a human services, education or employment and training setting.

OR

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Services, or Education

OR

One (1) year or more of experience as a Benefits Programs Specialist Trainee.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.