Benefit Programs Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $38,009.00 to $52,098.00

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

Title 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. Employees are responsible for determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs and assessing employability of clients to aid in their effort to achieve self-sufficiency. 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.

• Explains the employment services program.

• Makes assessments of customer needs and develops employment plans, utilizing job search, work experience, education and training.

• Establishes and monitors self-sufficiency goals through information and assessment of customer background.

• Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance.

• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion.

• Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods.

• Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential sources of income.

• Explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability.

• Refers clients to service worker as the result of overall assessment of situation.

• Prepares reports and maintains client records.

• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws, codes, policies, and 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- Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases; read and interpret policies and regulations sufficient to make decisions independently in a variety of public assistance programs; train staff; speak in public, promoting agency programs; develop brochures and pamphlets and use audio-visual equipment; share learned information with co-workers; communicate effectively and diplomatically both orally and in writing with board spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone; interview, gather information, reevaluate each client's situation and make referrals; determine a client's ownership share in situations where multi-ownership exist; assess client's needs through collection and analysis of employment history and pertinent personal, family and cultural information; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, reports, and 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;

Education and Experience: High school diploma supplemented 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. 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.

Preferred Qualifications: Training and/or experience in benefits programs, Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare Program, Childcare Program, Virginia Automated Case Management System, and/or experience working in a Local Department of Social Services.

Degree in Human Services or related field or a degree in any field with related human services experience.

Prefer prior experience working in Virginia Benefit Programs offered by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS).

Prefer work experience with VDSS systems to include VaCMS, MMIS, SPIDeR.

Special Requirements: Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.

The investigation may include; fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.

Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Special Instructions to Applicants: