Benefit Programs Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Lynchburg, VA

About The Position

APPLY HERE This job announcement is a courtesy job post for the Lynchburg local Social Services agency. It is not a position of the Virginia Department of Social Services or any other Commonwealth of Virginia agency. Local employment opportunities may also be available through the local agency’s city or county website/job board(s). The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer Perform initial and ongoing functions in all eligibility programs offered by the Division of Social Services, by performing the following duties. Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Some knowledge of: basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.
Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.
Possess valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record according to City criteria.
Must satisfactorily complete criminal background check, drug and alcohol screen and Child Protective Services Registry check.
Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.

Responsibilities

Conducts comprehensive interviews for assistance and determines initial and ongoing eligibility, securing and verifying social, financial or medical information
Completes processing of all assigned benefit programs
Key information obtained to an on-line computer system, cone interactively when applicable
Communicates with clients in writing, person and over the telephone
Coordinates and maintains files, records and policy manuals
Using knowledge of community resources and services provide, assess client’s needs and make appropriate referrals
Determines validity of appeal based on policy; prepares case summaries and testifies at administrative hearings
Conducts preliminary investigation to identify, assess and refer suspected fraud; determines continued eligibility and calculates over-issuance/overpayment when appropriate
Tracks programs’ statistical data on a monthly basis either manually or electronically
Assesses and determines employability based on policy guidelines
Accesses, interprets and evaluates data from multiple electronic systems for client benefit determination
Responds to and resolves inquires and complaints which include but are not limited to benefit determination, policy interpretation and self-sufficiency expectations
Manage multiple, changing priorities while meeting mandated program deadlines
Serves as resource to other staff in application of existing and new policies, procedures and computer operations
Responds to City-wide emergencies and participates in emergency plan
Secures updated information via state, local and federal data systems
Participates in employee selection process
Attends training and meetings as required
Assists in training and development as required
Performs administrative support functions as required