Benefit Programs Specialist IV

Virginia Department of Social Services; Virginia; On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services seeks a Benefit Programs Specialist IV to represent the leadership level within the benefit programs occupational group. The role includes leading staff, providing training, reviewing case files, and backing up supervision while ensuring deadlines and guidelines are followed.

This position requires handling complex cases, interpreting applicable laws and policies for eligibility determinations, and coordinating with community resources.

Qualifications

• Lead worker and trainer for staff; provide guidance on policies and procedures
• Ability to review case files and provide back-up supervision to staff
• Interprets policies related to benefit programs for eligibility determinations

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead worker and assist supervisor by conducting program training for staff; review case files and provide back-up supervision
• Answer questions related to policies and procedures; advise on case management methods
• Prepare case records and reports; handle the most complex and sensitive cases

Skills

Computer skills

Job description

Benefit Programs Specialist IV

represents the leadership
level in the occupational group. Employees perform responsible lead work related to
benefit programs. Employees are responsible for serving as lead worker and providing training and guidance to other Benefit Programs Specialists. Employees serve as support for the supervisor by performing tasks such as ensuring staff coverage, workload balance, training staff, reviewing case files, and providing back up supervision of staff. Employees may provide consultation on complex cases and may also work on complex case assignments which require dealing with information that is sensitive and confidential. Employees work within established policies, procedures and guidelines with a high degree of independence, seeking supervisory assistance only in unusually complicated and difficult cases/situations. The Benefit Programs Specialist IV is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Supervisor by the latter’s spending a majority of time in supervisory activities such as handling personnel issues, problems, and evaluating the work of others.

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only)

Serves as lead worker and assists supervisor by conducting program training for staff, reviewing case files and providing back-up supervision of staff; Serves as a resource to staff by answering questions related to policies and procedures, suggesting effective methods of case management, and providing consultation regarding complex cases; Prepares case records and reports; Works on the most complex and sensitive cases; Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various benefit programs, assists staff and clients in issues related to initial and continuing determination of eligibility of individuals and families; Collects and compiles statistics from caseloads; Provides training to other eligibility workers on an individual or group basis; Coordinates training programs and orientation for new employees and clients; Explores alternative sources of income and assistance; Responds to inquiries from the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements; Ensures that established deadlines are met; Prepares monthly reports and maintains records of activities; Assists in training new staff on policy and procedural matters; and Coordinates and interacts with other community resources and partners to assist clients in meeting assessed needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

Comprehensive knowledge of: applicable laws, codes, policies, and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities-procedures, including civil and Circuit Court procedures; basic human behavior, social problems and resources, and interviewing techniques; social, economic, health, and cultural factors which can serve as barriers to employment; and counseling techniques.

Skills

Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.

Abilities

Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.

Education and Experience

Same as required in Benefit Program Specialist III with 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.

Special Requirements

Applicants are subject to a DMV driving record check, Child Abuse Central Registry check, criminal history search and/or pre-employment drug screening. The background investigation may include: fingerprint checks, employment verification and references, verification of education relevant to employment, credit checks relevant to employment and other background information requested by the hiring authority. Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.