Chief of Benefit Programs

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Newport News is seeking a Benefits Programs Manager to oversee the Benefits Programs Bureau within the Social Services agency. This role manages budgeting, staffing, and performance across financial services and ensures alignment with state and federal regulations.

Responsibilities include strategic planning, staff development, and collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies to optimize service delivery. A background in accounting or finance and strong leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in accounting, business administration, finance or related field.
• 5–7 years of progressively responsible eligibility and supervisory experience required.
• Experience with budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance with regulations expected.
• Strong analytical, communication and leadership skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the Benefits Programs Bureau and related financial services.
• Prepare budgets and monitor expenditures; supervise staff development and training.
• Plan, set priorities, and implement long-range objectives for benefits programs.
• Collaborate with other agencies and internal teams; report on program performance.
• Provide strategic planning input and respond to inquiries related to financial services policies.

Skills

Budgeting

Staff supervision

Financial analysis

Policy interpretation

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial software

Job description

Hiring Range: $80,000.00 to $115,000.00

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

This job announcement is a courtesy job post for the City of Newports News local Social Services agency. It is not a position of the Virginia Department of Social Services or anh of Virginia agency. Local employment opportunities may also be available through the local agency’s city or county website/job board(s).

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for the oversight and management of the Benefits Programs. Reports to the Deputy Director of Human Services

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Plans, develops and recommends priorities, goals and long range objectives pertaining to the management and direction of the Benefits Programs Bureau; establishes and implements management systems and ensures the completion of assigned financial services goals and objectives. Organizes and directs the work activities; recommends internal branch organization and develops corrective action plans as needed. Advises staff on difficult issues and makes decisions on exceptional financial situations to manage and implement appropriate actions.

Responsible for the effective supervision and administration to include budget preparation and monitoring expenditures, staff development and training, workforce planning, performance management, employee relations, prioritizing and assigning work and related activities. Evaluates resource needs; manages the effective deployment of resources.

Participates on agency management teams to provide input into the development and implementation of agency policies; assists with strategic planning, research, studies and special projects; responds to inquiries related to Human Services financial services programs and agency policies.

Serves as a liaison to federal, state and local agencies, state communities, professional boards and task force groups. Collaborates with other agencies to develop and coordinate resources in order to establish effective working relationships; receives and make appropriate referrals. Monitors and analyzes the effectiveness of service delivery within department; prepares reports as needed. Remains abreast of current statewide policy initiatives and best practices related to financial services.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

Human Services - Thorough knowledge of Benefits programs and policies including federal, state, and local regulations related to determining eligibility. Knowledge of programs, social economic trends and behaviors that impact the delivery of human services.

Supervision - Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles and procedures to assign work, schedule, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned staff.

Customer Service - Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service. This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Strategic Planning – Knowledge of strategic planning principles and theories to ensure competitive advantage and profitability.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex situations and then to research information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to the situation.

Judgment/Decision Making – Evaluating the best method of research and then exercising appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters. Considers the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations. Shares knowledge with staff for mutual and departmental benefit.

Computer Skills – Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet and related software with reasonable speed and accuracy.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

Coordination of Work – Ability to establish and implement effective administrative programs and procedures. Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Attends and maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events. Performs a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.

Communication – Excellent ability to communicate complex ideas and proposals effectively so others will understand to include preparation of reports, agendas, and policies. Excellent ability to listen and understand information and ideas presented verbally or in writing.

Accounting and Budgeting – Ability to perform arithmetic, algebraic, and statistical applications. Ability to employ economic and accounting principles and practices in the analysis and reporting of financial data.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Busines Administration, Finance or a related field and 5 7 years of progressively responsible eligibility and supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master’s Degree is preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and sex offender registry check. A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. Individuals in this position cannot be listed as having a founded child abuse or neglect complaint. In the event of a declared emergency in the City of Newport News, individuals in this position are required to work shelter duty and may be called on to perform duties as required to provide for the safety and care of the citizens of the community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.

Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds).

Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.

Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.