Benefit Programs Specialist II*

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

Job summary

The City of Richmond Department of Social Services is seeking a Benefit Programs Specialist II with strong customer service skills and the ability to interpret policy, manage caseloads, and ensure accurate benefit determinations.

The ideal candidate will have solid computer skills, experience in public assistance programs, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly across departments. This role supports emergency operations and requires dedication to service delivery.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or equivalent; coursework in human services, social work, business administration or related field.
• Experience in administering benefit programs and eligibility determination preferred.
• Knowledge of federal/state/local benefit programs and guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants/recipients for public assistance programs and assess total family needs.
• Evaluate eligibility using policy manuals, procedures, and guidelines.
• Process benefits applications and manage caseloads for various programs.
• Compile data and generate reports to ensure policy compliance.
• Verify data to calculate benefit payment amounts and update client status.
• Participate in Mass Care Center operations during emergencies as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Social perceptiveness

Conflict resolution

Record keeping

Mathematical computation

Reading comprehension

Oral and written communication

Customer service

Education

Associate degree in Human Services, Social Work, Business Administration or related field

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.