City of Richmond, Virginia · 9 hours ago
Benefit Programs Specialist IV*
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
6+ years expThe City of Richmond is committed to nurturing talent and fostering growth opportunities within its workforce. They are seeking a Benefit Programs Specialist IV to lead work related to benefit programs, providing guidance to other specialists and ensuring effective case management. The role involves training staff, reviewing cases, and assisting clients with eligibility determinations for public assistance programs.
Government Administration
Responsibilities
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
Coordinates and interacts with other community resources and partners to assist clients in meeting assessed needs
Detects fraud cases and makes appropriate referrals to supervisor, and assists with fraud investigation activities
May be assigned specialized functions or projects requiring a broad working knowledge of public assistance functions (e.g., intake, fraud)
Maintains extensive current knowledge of programs and eligibility requirements, financial and non-financial criteria, policies and guidelines as well as current forms, reports and other related documentation required for eligibility and services determinations
Performs other duties as assigned
City of Richmond Department of Social Services employees are considered essential personnel may be required to work during inclement weather and times of declared emergencies
Qualification
Required
Thorough working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing public assistance, services programs and welfare reform; broad understanding of basic human needs and of individual differences
Financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits
Excellent working knowledge of interviewing techniques and skills in interviewing and eliciting needed information from applicants and recipients
Demonstrated skills in using supportive counseling techniques to enhance and develop clients' problem-solving capabilities
Operating a personal computer and agency software
Communicating effectively both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals to include but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone
Analyzing information and determining from a variety of sources missing information and gaps and making mathematical computations
Demonstrated ability to assess client needs through collection and analysis of employment history and pertinent personal, family and cultural information
Apply acquired knowledge of human behavior and social functioning
Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality of client information
Excellent organization skills with the demonstrated ability to plan and execute work effectively to successfully manage caseload and complete assigned tasks accurately and in accordance with applicable requirements and deadlines
Ability to multi-task while maintaining integrity of time sensitive and confidential documents
Ability to read, understand and accurately interpret complex public assistance and services policies and regulations
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations
High school diploma with experience in benefit programs, and use of computer software and hardware) with additional related work experience in a leadership role
Six (6) or more years of relevant work experience in various federal, state and local public assistance and benefit programs or services programs
An equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification
Completion of required Benefit Programs training
Preferred
Completed training and maintained proficiency in a minimum of six programs (e.g., SNAP, F&C, ABD, EA, or TANF), including specialized programs (e.g., LTC, AG, Refugee Assistance, General Relief)
Experience in mentoring new employees
Completed and obtained certificates in a minimum of two leadership development courses
Served as a lead worker within a team
Acted as a quality assurance case reader and/or acting supervisor
Bilingual experience is preferred
Benefits
Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
Language Incentive
Referral Bonus
Tuition Assistance Program
Company
City of Richmond, Virginia
City of Richmond, Virginia
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Lawson Wijesooriya
Chief of Staff
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