Benefit Programs Specialist IV

Virginia Department of Social Services; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking a Benefit Programs Specialist IV to lead complex eligibility cases and supervise staff. You will perform assessments, determine benefit levels, and coordinate with community partners to support families in need.

Responsibilities include training new eligibility workers, maintaining case records, and presenting information to stakeholders. This role requires strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills within a public service

Qualifications

• Three years of acceptable performance as Benefit Program Specialist (any level) or similar in a government social services agency.
• Thorough knowledge of benefit programs.
• Supervisory and training experience.
• Demonstrated independent judgement and team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Completes required State and in-house training on various government programs.
• Registers applications for programs, executes system searches and schedules initial interviews.
• Interviews applicants, collects information, and makes eligibility determinations.
• Explains benefit programs and determines need for assistance and other social services.
• Processes applications for financial assistance and determines eligibility and benefit levels.
• Monitors cases for changes and updates benefit levels within guidelines.
• Represents the agency in the community via outreach activities and meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Interviewing techniques

Communication

Case management

Data analysis

Job description

The Benefit Programs Specialist IV designation is based on an employee’s sustained ability to satisfactorily perform all the duties of a Benefit Programs Specialist III, with a degree of accuracy and consistency that is commensurate with their experience. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may also be assigned.

• Completes required State and in-house training on various government programs
• Registers applications for various government programs, executes system searches and schedules initial interviews
• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and makes eligibility determinations;
• Engages client in a positive working relationship
• Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance, as well as other Social Service programs
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion. Accurately determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods within established deadlines
• Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various programs
• Monitors cases for changes in recipient circumstances and implements changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines
• Evaluates employment status of clients and explores potential sources of income
• Organizes and maintains accurate client case records and documentation and, as applicable, prepares program reports
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, verifies its accuracy, identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals
• Explains programs and rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients
• Provides applicants or recipients with information about other community resources and makes referrals
• Makes referrals to Services unit for cases where abuse or neglect issues arise
• Makes home visits as needed
• Seeks out and completes supplementary training in core program areas
• Serves as a mentor and coordinates training and orientation activities for new eligibility workers
• Works on the most complex and sensitive cases
• Represents the agency in the community via outreach activities, external community meetings, and creating and delivering presentations to partners as needed
• Serves in a leadership capacity and assists Benefit Programs Supervisors with case readings, staff training, and by 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 statistical reports, creates charts and maintains data dashboards as applicable
• Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various benefit programs in order to assist staff and clients with issues related to initial and continuing determination of eligibility of individuals and families
• Provides training to eligibility workers on an individual or group basis
• Responds to inquiries from the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements
• Ensures that established deadlines are met
• Works assigned shift(s) to set up and staff emergency shelters should Winchester declare a state of emergency
• Contributes to a positive work environment

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A newly hired employee may begin work in the Benefit Programs Specialist IV position if that employee has met all the same qualifications for promotion; specifically, three years of performance rating of acceptable or higher as a Benefit Program Specialist (any level) or similar position in a government social services agency, thorough knowledge of benefit programs, supervisory and training experience, and demonstrated independent judgment and team leadership.

Education and/or 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.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Possession of a valid and appropriate driver’s license. Must complete mandatory state training including Medicaid and SNAP. Additional program trainings may be required.

Language Skills

Ability to read and comprehend. Ability to speak and communicate effectively using correct English. Bilingual English-Spanish preferred.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Working knowledge of practices of public service organizations; economic and basic human behavior; financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits; eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outlined by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone; interview, gather information, evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals; determine a client’s ownership share in situations; analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate; understanding of reports and ability to manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Required Physical Activities

Requires light physical effort working almost exclusively with lightweight materials (up to 25 pounds) including but not limited to walking, talking, stooping, kneeling, light lifting, bending, reaching and gripping.

Vision Requirements

Minimum requirements set by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Environmental Conditions

Work is conducted indoors and outdoors under variable weather conditions. Face to face contact with the general public is considerable. Some travel required.