Benefit Programs Specialist IV

City of Lynchburg, VA; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

City of Lynchburg is seeking a Benefit Programs Specialist IV to handle initial and ongoing eligibility for all Department of Human Services programs. The role involves interviewing clients, verifying information, and processing benefit applications, with duties expanding to direct or indirect citizen services.

Responsibilities include residence visits when needed, data entry, file maintenance, and generating referrals.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive interviews to determine initial and ongoing eligibility.
• Visit clients at their residence to obtain necessary information.
• Process and input data into online systems and maintain accurate files.
• Respond to inquiries, provide referrals, and communicate with clients in various formats.
• Manage multiple, changing priorities and meet deadlines.

Skills

Interviewing

Eligibility determination

Client communication

Data entry / computer skills

Public assistance programs

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Case management systems

Job description

The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Lynchburg is recruiting for a Benefit Programs Specialist IV 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

• 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

• 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;
• Performs 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.