Benefit Programs Specialist IV

City of Lynchburg; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

The City of Lynchburg is recruiting for a Sr. Benefit Programs Specialist to handle initial and ongoing functions in all eligibility programs offered by the Department of Human Services.

Responsibilities include interviewing clients, determining eligibility, processing applications, and maintaining electronic files while coordinating referrals to community resources. The role emphasizes accuracy, strong communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a public-service environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience working with the public and determining eligibility for programs.
• Ability to use various types of computer software and hardware systems.
• Leadership experience and benefit programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interviews clients to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for assistance.
• Visits clients' homes to obtain necessary information when needed.
• Processes and tracks multiple benefit programs and maintains files.
• Calculates eligibility, handles appeals and prepares case summaries.
• Responds to inquiries and coordinates with community resources and services.

Education

Bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, health or related field

Job description

The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Lynchburg is recruiting for a Sr. Benefit Programs Specialist to handle initial and ongoing functions in all eligibility programs offered by the Department of Human Services. Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.

The City of Lynchburg offers competitive benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, tuition assistance, paid time off and parental leave and retirement plan. View City Benefits.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following. Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.

• Conducts comprehensive interviews for assistance and determines initial and ongoing eligibility by securing and verifying financial information;
• Makes visits to client's residence to obtain information when necessary;
• Completes processing of all assigned benefit programs;
• Keys information obtained to an on-line computer system, interactively when applicable;
• Communicates with clients in writing, in-person, and over the telephone;
• Coordinates and maintains electronic files, caseload data, and policy manuals;
• Using knowledge of community resources and services, assess client's needs and make appropriate referrals;
• Determines validity of appeal based on policy; prepares case summaries and testifies at administrative hearings;
• Conducts preliminary investigations to identify, assess, and refer suspected fraud; determines continued eligibility and calculates over-issuance/overpayment when appropriate;
• Tracks programs' statistical data on a monthly basis either manually or electronically;
• Assesses and determines employability based on policy guidelines;
• Accesses, interprets, and evaluates data from multiple electronic systems for client benefit determination;
• Responds to and resolves inquiries and complaints which include but are not limited to benefit determination, policy interpretation, and self-sufficiency expectations;
• Manages multiple, changing priorities while meeting mandated program deadlines;
• Serves as resource to other staff in application of existing and new policies, procedures, and computer operations;
• Responds to City-wide emergencies and participates in emergency plan.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

include the following:

• Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.
• When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery.
• Secures updated information via state, local, and federal data systems;
• Attends training and meetings as required;
• Assists in training and development as required;
• Perform administrative support functions as required.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

This position has no supervisory duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university with major work in sociology, psychology, health or related field preferred but not required. Equivalent years of experience will be considered. Experience working with the public and determining eligibility for programs. The ability to use various types of computer software and hardware systems. Additional work experience in a leadership role and benefit programs OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities

Possession of valid Virginia driver's license and acceptable driving record according to City criteria. View City Driving Criteria.

Must successfully complete criminal records background check and Child Protective Services Registry check.

Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.