Benefit Programs Specialist II

City of Richmond•Va 23219, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Richmond Department of Social Services is seeking a highly qualified candidate with strong customer service skills, effective time management abilities, exceptional computer skills and prior benefits experience to fill the Benefit Programs Specialist II position. The ideal candidates will have strong analytical skills which will assist with the interpretation of policy and procedures, expertise in implementation, and excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. 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.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge in Benefits programs and policies including federal, state, and local regulations related to determining eligibility
Knowledge of Programs including policies and procedures (e.g. Medicaid, Auxiliary Grants), relevant theories/behavior models (e.g. Family Systems), and trends and behaviors (e.g. impact of poverty, homelessness) that impact the delivery of human services
Knowledge of Community resources and support
Knowledge of case management techniques, principles, and practices to evaluate and coordinate the delivery of public assistance to customers
Demonstrated skills in Microsoft Office Suite
Social perceptiveness
Conflict resolution
Record keeping
Basic mathematical computation
Reading comprehension
Effective oral and written communication
Customer service
Ability to interpret and apply policy, keeping up to date with policy changes and guidance
Ability to communicate information and ideas so others understand
Ability to listen and understand information and ideas
Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense
Ability to show sensitivity and empathy
Ability to manage time effectively
Associate degree (A.S., A.A.) in Human Services, Social Work, Business Administration or related field
One year of demonstrated experience preferably in a human services environment involving administration of benefit programs and benefit eligibility determination
An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

Nice To Haves

Bilingual experience is preferred
Three or more years of experience processing benefit programs (e.g. SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, ABD, LTC) in a social services environment

Responsibilities

Interviewing applicants and recipients for public assistance programs to accurately assess the total family situation based upon Federal, State, and local guidelines
Evaluating applicant eligibility utilizing policy manuals, procedures, and guidelines
Interpreting and implementing Federal/State benefit programs regulations/guidelines
Processing benefits applications
Managing caseloads for applicants/recipients of federal/state/locally funded programs
Compiling data and maintaining statistical reports related to caseload standings in order to meet compliance with policies/procedures
Collecting and verifying data to calculate benefit payment amounts
Handling changes in client status by updating information on systems and adjusting benefits
Referring customers to other resources/services within the City and outside agencies
Educating customers on their rights and responsibilities
Verifying information through correspondence, telephone and in-person interviews
Preparing case narratives/documentation
Performing other related duties as required