CHIEF OF BENEFIT PROGRAMS

City Government; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Newport News – Human Services is seeking an experienced manager to oversee the Benefits Programs Bureau. Under limited supervision, you will direct budgeting, staff development and performance management while aligning programs with state and federal regulations.

You will lead strategic planning, coordinate with federal, state and local partners, and prepare reports on financial services performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5-7 years of supervisory experience.
• Master’s Degree preferred.
• Knowledge of benefits programs and budgeting and related federal/state/local regulations.
• Strategic planning experience or knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Oversight and management of the Benefits Programs Bureau.
• Develop priorities, goals and long-range objectives for financial services.
• Manage budget preparation and expenditures; staff development and performance management.
• Collaborate with agency management and external partners; develop resources and referrals.
• Prepare reports; monitor service delivery and analyze program effectiveness.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Judgment/Decision Making

Interpersonal Relationships

Computer Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or related field

5-7 years of supervisory experience

Master’s Degree preferred

Job description

Department: City of Newport News - HUMAN SERVICES

Job Family: PROFESSIONAL

Target Hiring Range: $80,000-$115,000 - Based on Experience

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, Business 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.