Benefits Programs Specialist

at State of Vermont in Middlebury, Vermont, United States

Job Description

Who We Are:

The Economic Services Division (ESD) is responsible for the administration of benefits to help Vermonters meet their basic needs. ESD is one of 6 divisions under the Department for Children and Families (DCF) which is one of the largest departments (1000 employees) within the largest agency (Agency of Human Services) in the state of Vermont. 

ESD Leadership recognizes that the division's biggest resource is our staff and is committed to continuously looking at ways to strengthen and support our workforce.

This position is located in the Middlebury district office which is known for teamwork, strong community partnerships and office comradery.

The Role:

The Benefit Programs Specialists (BPS) primary role is to determine eligibility of those who have applied for benefits.  The BPS is also responsible for providing timely and accurate benefits to those who meet the criteria. ESD is looking for someone to join this team who:
•    can demonstrate empathy, concern, and respect for all customers
•    is a critical thinker who can apply program rules to complex and dynamic situations
•    thrives in a busy work environment 
•    is effective in assisting customers over the phone and in-person (if this is a district position)
•    has experience working with individuals who may be distraught and emotional
•    enjoys working on a team 
•    is open to learning new technology

What we offer 
•    We may offer flex scheduling or alternative work schedules based upon policy
•    11 paid holidays, plus sick and vacation time
•    Excellent, health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
•    Retirement plans, including a pension
•    Parental leave for all new parents, including adoptions
•    Working with a staff who is dedicated to supporting children and families, including your own.

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, new hires are typically made at the salary range minimum.

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.