Benefit Programs Specialist Senior

City of Norfolk, VA; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Pension plan

Life insurance

Medical and dental

457 deferred compensation

Long‑term disability

Parking at work

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The City of Norfolk, VA, through the Department of Human Services, seeks a Benefit Programs Specialist, Senior to lead and mentor staff in determining eligibility for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and other benefits. The role involves processing cases, guiding complex determinations, and collaborating with hospital staff to identify clients in need of medical assistance.

Ideal candidates will have four years of eligibility experience, a strong understanding of public assistance programs, and a

Qualifications

• Four years of experience in eligibility determination for government assistance programs.

Responsibilities

• Determines initial and ongoing eligibility for benefits and public assistance programs by interviewing applicants, analyzing information, and explaining rights and responsibilities.
• Maintains updated caseload based on the volume of clients requesting assistance.
• Verifies customer statements, completes evaluations and review sheets, sets up records and files, keeps applicants informed, advises of alternatives, and maintains records.
• Establishes plans for clients to achieve self-sufficiency and transition from welfare dependency by determining employability and providing supportive services.
• Works as a liaison between the city and hospital by working onsite with hospital staff to identify clients needing medical assistance.
• Keeps current by reviewing regulations and maintaining training and certifications.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships; exercises sound judgment and discretion under stress.
• Serves as lead worker and assists supervisor by conducting program training for staff and backup supervision.

Education

Four years of experience in eligibility determination for government assistance programs

Job description

Description

Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself. Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

The Norfolk Department of Human Services (NDHS) connects eligible citizens to federal, state and local resources for food, healthcare, childcare, cash assistance, workforce development, and energy and utility assistance. Some of the services we provide are Adult Protective Services, Services for at-risk youth and their families, Adoption and Foster Care, Resources for homeless families and individuals in Norfolk, college internships, Senior and Veterans assistance, and more. The NDHS is seeking a Benefit Programs Specialist, Senior to join the team. The Benefit Programs Specialist, Senior position serves as a lead worker and as a resource to the Benefit Programs Specialists to provide guidance for difficult eligibility determinations and policy/procedural clarifications. The worker mentors/trains less experienced workers and support staff. The Benefit Programs Specialist, Senior may be required to process 10% more cases than the Benefit Programs Specialist. They also may be responsible for reading cases and putting in the RUSHMORE system. The Benefit Programs Specialist, Senior interviews, reviews and evaluates information from applicants to determine or re-determine, eligibility for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid and other benefits. They work collaboratively with other employees and the public to ensure that each client is served efficiently and effectively

Department Hiring Salary Range

$56,900-$65,294

Essential Functions

• Determines initial and ongoing eligibility for benefits and public assistance programs and services by interviewing applicants, analyzing information, and explaining rights and responsibilities, and interpreting policies.
• Maintains updated and accurate caseload based upon the volume of clients who request assistance.
• Verifies customer statements, completes evaluations and review sheets, sets up records and files, keeps applicants informed, advises of alternatives, and maintains electronic and hardcopy records.
• Establishes plans for clients in establishing self‑sufficiency goals for the purpose of transitioning public assistance recipients from welfare dependency by determining employability, explaining policies, procedures, and requirements, providing supportive services and establishing solutions for participation barriers.
• Works as a liaison between the city and hospital by working onsite with hospital staff to identify those citizens in need of applying for medical assistance.
• Possesses knowledge of basic human behavior with a working knowledge of practices of public service organizations.
• Keeps current by reviewing regulations and learning new ones. Maintains a current level of training and certifications in accordance with state and local requirements.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations, exercises sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions.
• Serve as lead worker and assists supervisor by conducting program training for staff, reviewing case files and providing back‑up supervision of staff, supports program supervisor by performing tasks such as ensuring staff coverage, and workload balance.
• May provide consultation on complex cases and may also work on complex case assignments which require dealing with information that is sensitive and confidential.
• Will be responsible for case monitoring of state and local benefit programs.

Education/Experience

Work requires education or training beyond high school graduation or equivalency which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities. Appropriate certification may be awarded upon satisfactory completion of advanced study or training. Four years of experience in eligibility determination for government assistance programs.

Additional Information & Requirements

• Valid Driver's License may be required depending on assignment.
• Regular full‑time and permanent part‑time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, employer paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long‑term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union and employer provided parking.
• Special project/grant employees are generally eligible for the same benefits of regular full‑time employees; however, retirement, life insurance and participation in health plans vary depending upon funding and authorization.
• Temporary/seasonal and part‑time employees are generally only eligible for employer provided parking and access to membership in credit union.
• Retirement

If you are hired October 5, 2010, or after to a position with City of Norfolk Retirement System benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre‑tax payroll deduction.

If you are hired January 1, 2022, or after to a position with Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre‑tax payroll deduction.

• The Tuition Assistance Program is established to encourage employees toward continued self‑development and education. Permanent full‑time and permanent part‑time classified, unclassified permanent, full‑time special projects, and constitutional employees who have completed six months continuous service will be eligible to apply. The applicant's school of enrollment must be an accredited institution.

Note

The benefits described above are broad generalizations. The specific benefits that an employee may be eligible for are governed by City regulations, as applicable to job type.

Non-City

Positions listed with a job type designation of "Non-City" are not subject to the benefits descriptions above. Refer to the content of the job posting for information regarding these positions.

01 I understand and will answer the following supplemental questions completely and thoroughly.

02 Are you a current or previous City of Norfolk employee?

• Yes - I am a current City of Norfolk Employee
• Yes - I am a previous City of Norfolk Employee
• No - I am not a previous or current City of Norfolk employee

03 If you were referred for this position by a current City of Norfolk employee, please provide the employee's full name, department, and job title, and your relationship to the employee. If not, please indicate by typing "N/A".

04 Please select the highest level of education you have completed.

• High School Diploma/GED
• Some College (6 months or more)
• Vocational/Technical Degree
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

05 How many years of experience do you have processing 50 or more cases per month using the Virginia Case Management System (VaCMS)?

• No experience
• Less than 4 years of experience
• 4-5 years of experience
• 6-7 years of experience
• 8 or more years of experience

06 How many years of experience do you have establishing eligibility for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?

• No experience
• Less than 4 years of experience
• 4-5 years of experience
• 6-7 years of experience
• 8 or more years of experience

07 How many years of experience do you have working with the Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW)?

• No experience
• Less than 4 years of experience
• 4-5 years of experience
• 6-7 years of experience
• 8 or more years of experience

08 How many years of experience do you have establishing eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?

• No experience
• Less than 4 years of experience
• 4-5 years of experience
• 6-7 years of experience
• 8 or more years of experience

09 How many years of experience do you have establishing eligibility for Medicaid?

• No experience
• Less than 4 years of experience
• 4-5 years of experience
• 6-7 years of experience
• 8 or more years of experience

10 Do you have experience working as a TANF Worker?

• Yes
• No

11 Please describe your experience working as a TANF Worker.

12 Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

13 Please provide the name, email address, and phone number of your current or most recent supervisor

14 Please provide an explanation of any periods of unemployment that are 30 days or longer. Indicate N/A if you have not experienced any periods of unemployment.

15 Please indicate your veteran status. (A copy of your long form DD-214 may be required)

• I am not a Veteran
• I am a Veteran
• I am a Disabled Veteran
• Required Question