Title:  Benefits Programs Specialist - Temporary (Fully Remote)

Overview

This is a part-time, temporary position responsible for paying General Assistance hotel bills. This position is fully remote. 

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities     

Working knowledge of the social and behavioral causes of economic deprivation.

Knowledge of the social, cultural, economic, psychological and emotional factors influencing the attitudes and behavior of individuals and families.

Working knowledge of assistance programs and the basic philosophy underlying each.

Ability to analyze financial resources and decipher how to include or exclude various programs and sub-programs. 

Knowledge of and ability to apply basic computer skills.

Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles and practices of social casework. 

Knowledge of public and private agencies providing client services.

Ability to maintain accurate and detailed documentation necessary to support determination. 

Ability to conduct mutually informative interviews, using accepted interview techniques and communication skills.

Ability to remain calm and objective when interviewing individuals who may present a variety of emotions and behaviors.

Ability to comprehend and apply complex instructions and program regulations.

Ability to grasp detailed and complex concepts to include strong deductive and inductive reasoning skills.

General knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations applicable to public welfare programs and how they interact with each other.

Ability and skill in arithmetic computation.

Ability to make immediate and accurate decisions and present them to the applicant whether favorable or not.

Ability to thoroughly analyze and understand the overall needs of the applicant.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to varying levels of mental capacities, education levels and disabilities.

Ability to de-escalate highly charged situations and work in a fast paced environment.

Ability to perform job duties within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Who May Apply

This position, Benefits Programs Specialist - Temporary (Fully Remote) (Job Requisition #48741), is open to all State employees and external applicants. This is a temporary position. Temporary work is typically for variable hours, and is not expected to be full-time. The State does not guarantee 40 hours of work per week.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact mark.eley@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.

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

Three (3) years or more of experience in a customer service environment that included: regular use of computer programs AND clerical work and data entry.
 
 
OR 
 
Bachelor's degree in a human service or financial field.
 
OR 
 
One (1) year or more of experience as a Benefits Programs Specialist Trainee.

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.