Benefit Programs Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Chesapeake's local Social Services agency is seeking a lead worker to support the supervisor, train staff, and review case files for accuracy and completeness.

You will interview applicants to determine eligibility, analyze case data, grant or deny benefits, and supervise staff. This role requires a valid driver’s license and Phase Policy Training certifications. Emergency operations and off-site work may be involved.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED/HSE required.
• Minimum five years related full-time experience.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record compliant with City standards.
• Certification in Phase Policy Training for TANF, Medicaid, and SNAP benefits.

Responsibilities

• Lead worker; train staff and review case files for accuracy and completeness.
• Monitor casework for accuracy and compliance; assist staff with complex cases.
• Screen incoming cases to ensure accuracy and completion.
• Interview applicants and clients to determine eligibility; verify information.
• Analyze and document case data to determine benefits; notify determinations.
• Supervise staff; provide training, assign work, mentor, and give policy guidance.
• Investigate suspected fraud referrals; collect and analyze evidence.
• Testify in court as needed; manage fraud-related actions.
• Perform general admin tasks and compile routine reports.
• Participate in staff meetings and supervisory training.

Education

High school diploma or GED/HSE

Tools

Driver's license

Phase Policy Training (TANF, Medicaid, SNAP)

Job description

This job announcement is a courtesy job post for the Chesapeake County local Social Services agency. It is not a position of the Virginia Department of Social Services or any other Commonwealth of Virginia agency. Local employment opportunities may also be available through the local agency’s city or county website/job board(s).

https://jobs.cityofchesapeake.net/postings/17340

ESSENTIAL TASKS

• Serves as a lead worker and supports the supervisor by conducting program training for staff and reviewing case files for accuracy and completeness.
• Monitors casework for accuracy and compliance; assists staff in evaluating complex or difficult eligibility cases.
• Screens incoming cases from intake and other units to ensure accuracy and completion.
• Carries a caseload of clients receiving public assistance that involve complex issues
• Interviews applicants and clients to determine eligibility by securing and verifying social, financial, and medical information.
• Analyzes and documents case data to determine the most beneficial assistance plan; grants or denies benefits and notifies clients of determinations.
• Supervises staff by providing training, assigning and evaluating work, mentoring, counseling, and offering policy guidance.
• Investigates suspected fraud referrals received from staff, community sources, and computer data matches.
• Collects and analyzes evidence to support fraud investigations, conducts interviews with suspects and witnesses, and establishes intent.
• Testifies in court as needed; calculates fraud claims and initiates collections.
• Performs general administrative tasks such as correspondence, data entry, filing, faxing, phone calls, and photocopying.
• Compiles and maintains data for routine and special reports documenting program activities.
• Participates in staff meetings to share information and attends supervisory training to enhance professional skills.

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure, for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Required Qualifications

• VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Requires a high school diploma or GED/HSE and completion of government assistant programs.

Experience Requirement

• In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this position requires a minimum of five years of related, full-time equivalent experience.

Special Certifications and Licenses

• Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards. Requires certification in Phase Policy Training for TANF, Medicaid, and SNAP benefits.

Special Requirements

• Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-terms department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of SNAP, TANF, Medicaid
• Prefer working knowledge on processing Applications requesting Federal programs