Benefit Programs Specialist III

General Work Tasks 

• Contacts vendors for services and ensure payments to allow for the restoration or continuation of services. 
• Monitors efficacy, trends of programs, and completes seasonal, quarterly and yearly reports; 
• Participate in task forces, strategic planning, mentoring volunteers, students and new employees, teaching classes, and conducting outreach; 
• Reviews cases for correctness, identifies significant errors/problems in caseloads and determines if the errors/problems are with the section, unit or with an employee; 
• Provides statistical data and other information to support budget requests; 
• Interviews clients who provide questionable or fraudulent statements and information and determine program eligibility; 
• Documents data and information gathered and compares findings with established guidelines of program eligibility; 
• Prepares reports regarding quality control and makes recommendations to the supervisor; 
• Explains programs, and the rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients, and conducts follow-up as needed; 
• Carries a caseload of clients receiving public assistance that involve complex issues; 
• Serves as a resource to staff and the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements; 
• Answers questions related to policies and procedures; 
• Maintains records, prepares reports, and submits summaries and information as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Considerable knowledge of: 

• applicable laws, codes, policies, and procedures related to public assistance programs;
•  basic human behavior; 
• financial assistance programs sufficient to determine benefits eligibility; 
• human services programs and how each interrelates;
•  the strategic planning process; 
• mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and 
• interviewing techniques such as data collection, interrogation, and investigation. 

Skills

Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.

Abilities

Demonstrated ability to: 

• manage complex cases; 
• read and interpret public policies and regulations sufficient to make decisions independently in a variety of public assistance program; 
• 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 broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone; 
• interview, gather information, re-evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals; determine a client’s ownership share in situations where multi ownership exists; 
• 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; 
• 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; and identify customers’ needs and explore options to address these needs within the available community resources. 

Education and Experience

High school graduate with additional related work experience in benefit programs OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Special Requirements:

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and 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), and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

This position is covered under Code of Virginia 563.2-1601.1 or 563.2-1720 requiring the finalist provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.

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

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

 Special Instructions to Applicants:

Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume.

Applicants are encouraged to provide a complete list of work experience and qualifications on the application along with three professional references.

Applications/Resumes for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted.  NO PHONE CALLS ACCEPTED.

This website will provide confirmation or receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.

Minimum Starting Salary: $55,000 Annually