Benefit Programs Specialist

ATHENA Consulting is an award-winning staffing firm serving state and local governments. Our mission is to make lives better! We make our Clients’ Lives Easier by engaging and supporting our clients and partnering with them to be the most knowledgeable staffing partner. We make our Employees’ Lives Better by identifying and cultivating their talents and matching these talents with our customers’ needs. ATHENA places a high value on customer service, accountability and getting the job done.Position SummaryThis PART-TIME Benefit Programs Specialist position is 100% remote (must reside in Virginia) and supports the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) unit, this position ranges from $25.00-$28.50 per hour depending on experience. The Benefit Programs Specialist is responsible for providing programmatic and eligibility support to reduce and prevent backlog within SNAP and Medicaid (MA) cases. This role focuses on processing overdue renewals, managing interim changes, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal mandates, and other duties as assigned.All equipment will be provided; however, the selected candidate must be able to pick up equipment in person.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:Process overdue SNAP and Medicaid (MA) renewals and changes to reduce backlog within the ABD unit. Review and determine eligibility for Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD), Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), and Auxiliary Grant programs. Manage assigned caseload independently while ensuring accuracy and compliance with policy and regulatory requirements. Process current renewals and interim case changes in a timely and efficient manner. Ensure all cases are brought up to date to prevent future delays in service delivery. Apply knowledge of federal, state, and local policies to maintain program compliance. Maintain accurate case records, documentation, and eligibility determinations. Collaborate with internal teams as needed to ensure continuity of services and case resolution. Perform other related duties as assigned. REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:Strong knowledge of ABD, LTSS, SNAP, Medicaid (MA), and Auxiliary Grant eligibility policies. Ability to work independently and manage workload with minimal supervision. Strong attention to detail and accuracy in eligibility determination and documentation. Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in navigating case management systems and remote work tools. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:Minimum 2 years of experience as a Benefit Programs Specialist required. Minimum 2 years of experience determining eligibility for ABD and LTSS programs required. Experience with SNAP, Medicaid (MA), and Auxiliary Grant programs strongly preferred. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer. Ability to work remotely in a secure and distraction-free environment. Ability to pick up employer-provided equipment as required The schedule includes Monday through Friday (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM) and weekend hours (varied daytime shifts), totaling approximately 29 hours per week. Successful ATHENA Employees Will Display The Following CharacteristicsYou strive to be the best in your field currently and in the future. You like to make your employer look good. You find solutions, where others only see problems. You are proactive, you make and meet commitments, and you perform your duties exceedingly well. You are aware of the employer’s needs at all times and are well-versed in what you personally and ATHENA can offer them as a whole. You have the ability to work with diverse, integrated, deliverable-driven teams to accomplish the larger mission. The benefits of working for ATHENA include a full Benefit package:Support from a team of professionals committed to making your life better. Medical, dental and vision insurance. Medical and dependent flexible spending account. Pet insurance. 401k with a generous employer match. Easy to use employee self-serve HR portal. The statements in this Job Posting are intended to describe the general nature and minimum level of work required. The content should not be construed as a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required to meet the criteria for this position. Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Application for employment is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment and if hired, employment with the company is on an at-will basis and could be terminated at the will of either party.ATHENA Consulting LLC does not discriminate in hiring based on federally protected classifications to include but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.