Benefit Programs Specialist II*

City-of-Richmond,-Va; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Richmond Department of Social Services is seeking a qualified Benefit Programs Specialist II to interpret and apply Federal, State, and local guidelines, process benefits, and manage caseloads for various assistance programs. Strong analytical and interpersonal skills are essential.

The role requires excellent computer skills, detailed data reporting, and the ability to educate customers on their rights and responsibilities in a dynamic public service environment.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in a related field (e.g., Human Services, Social Work, Business Administration).
• Experience in benefits programs or eligibility determination preferred.
• Ability to interpret policy and apply guidelines to determine benefits eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants/recipients for public assistance programs and assess total family situation.
• Evaluate eligibility using policy manuals, procedures, and guidelines.
• Process benefits applications and manage caseloads for funded programs.
• Compile data and generate reports to ensure compliance with policies/procedures.

Skills

Customer service

Time management

Computer skills

Benefits experience

Analytical skills

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The City of Richmond Department of Social Services is seeking a highly qualified candidate with strong customer service skills, effective time management abilities, exceptional computer skills and prior benefits experience to fill the Benefit Programs Specialist II position. The ideal candidates will have strong analytical skills which will assist with the interpretation of policy and procedures, expertise in implementation, and excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

The anticipated hiring range is $55,00 - $70,000.

• Interviewing applicants and recipients for public assistance programs to accurately assess the total family situation based upon Federal, State, and local guidelines;
• Evaluating applicant eligibility utilizing policy manuals, procedures, and guidelines;
• Interpreting and implementing Federal/State benefit programs regulations/guidelines;
• Processing benefits applications;
• Managing caseloads for applicants/recipients of federal/state/locally funded programs;
• Compiling data and maintaining statistical reports related to caseload standings in order to meet compliance with policies/procedures;
• Collecting and verifying data to calculate benefit payment amounts;
• Handling changes in client status by updating information on systems and adjusting benefits;
• Referring customers to other resources/services within the City and outside agencies;
• Educating customers on their rights and responsibilities;
• Verifyinginformation through correspondence, telephone and in-person interviews;
• Preparing case narratives/documentation;
• Participates in Mass Care Center operations during incidents or declared emergencies as needed for the duration ofthe event.
• Performing other related duties as required.

City of Richmond Department of Social Services employees are considered essential personnel may be required to work during inclement weather and times of declared emergencies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Considerable knowledge in Benefits programs and policies including federal, state, and local regulations related to determining eligibility; Programs including policies and procedures (e.g. Medicaid, Auxiliary Grants), relevant theories/behavior models (e.g. Family Systems), and trends and behaviors (e.g. impact of poverty, homelessness) that impact the delivery of human services; Community resources and support; and case management techniques, principles, and practices to evaluate and coordinate the delivery of public assistance to customers;

Demonstrated skills in Microsoft Office Suite; social perceptiveness; conflict resolution; record keeping; basic mathematical computation; Reading comprehension; effective oral and written communication and customer service.

Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policy, keeping up to date with policy changes and guidance; communicate information and ideas so others understand; listen and understand information and ideas; apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense; show sensitivity and empathy; and manage time effectively.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associates degree (A.S., A.A.) in Human Services, Social Work, Business Administration or related field;
• One year of demonstrated experience preferably in a human services environment involving administration of benefit programs and benefit eligibility determination;
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• None required

PREFERREDTRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bilingual experience is preferred.
• Three or more years of experience processing benefit programs (e.g. SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, ABD, LTC) in a social services environment.