Benefit Programs Specialist III - TANF/VIEW

Virginia Department of Social Services•Suffolk, VA

About The Position

Under limited supervision, performs case management and team leader/team member duties to determine applicants’ eligibility for multiple benefit programs administered by the Social Services Department. The role involves interviewing applicants, explaining benefit programs, helping with application forms, verifying applicant information, determining and communicating eligibility, and providing or facilitating access to human services. The specialist screens participants for employment services, assesses employability, develops and monitors participation plans, and helps place eligible participants in unsubsidized employment. The position also maintains confidential case records, conducts eligibility reviews, identifies and reports suspected fraud, and completes related administrative and reporting work. As a team leader and mentor, the specialist reviews case actions, supports less experienced case managers, interprets policies, helps ensure staff training on new procedures, and contributes to team communication and operational improvements. The role reports to the Self Sufficiency Supervisor. The employee must be willing to perform disaster-related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, during a natural disaster or emergency.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, plus work experience in human services program eligibility or case management; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Ability to determine eligibility for multiple benefit programs and explain program requirements to clients in clear, accessible terms.
Ability to interview applicants, assist them with forms, and accurately review and verify information.
Ability to detect and report suspected fraud.
Knowledge of applicable departmental policies, procedures, social services laws and ordinances, and program terminology and methods.
Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.
Ability to perform case management and team leadership duties and contribute positively as a team member.
Knowledge of supervision principles and ability to lead, motivate, and evaluate assigned staff.
Ability to communicate effectively with applicants, clients, subordinates, supervisors, the public, and outside organizations, verbally and in writing.
Ability to read and interpret reports, technical documentation, instructions, and procedures; prepare clear written reports and documents using correct grammar and format.
Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity when evaluating information against measurable criteria, and to work with little direct supervision as situations warrant.
Mathematical ability to perform calculations involving arithmetic, decimals, percentages, fractions, and graphs.
Skill using computers and software programs typically used in the position.
Ability to adapt to emergency situations and perform under stress.
Ability to perform disaster-related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, when required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field.
Five to seven years of experience involving social services program work, including interviewing and counseling.

Responsibilities

Interview applicants, explain benefit programs, determine eligibility for assistance or employment services, verify applicant information, and help complete required forms.
Conduct individual and group assessments and reassessments to determine participants’ employability.
Develop and update participation plans, monitor job-search efforts, and assign participants to education and training activities.
Contact employers and other organizations to refer and place eligible participants in unsubsidized employment.
Notify participants of adverse actions and initiate sanctions when they fail to meet program requirements; inform departmental personnel of household changes affecting eligibility or participation.
Identify suspected fraud and make appropriate referrals and contacts.
Calculate and determine the amount and type of assistance for which clients may be eligible.
Respond to inquiries about benefit programs and refer inquiries to appropriate personnel.
Perform administrative duties, prepare correspondence and forms, schedule appointments, organize caseloads, and establish priorities.
Use computer systems to retrieve files, enter eligibility information, and maintain records in accordance with State and City program requirements.
Research case files and records for periodic eligibility reviews, appeals, and reports; organize and maintain data from various sources.
Maintain confidential records and case files and ensure case documentation and required actions are complete.
Participate in and support the self-directed team concept and communicate with team members about customer service, policies, goals, and work objectives.
Act as a team leader by reviewing and approving or disapproving case actions recommended by the Benefit Programs Manager, reviewing cases, and assisting subordinates with complex cases.
Interpret policies, advise subordinates, and ensure workers receive training on new policies and procedures.
Participate in training seminars, conferences, and meetings with agency personnel and outside groups; provide input and recommendations on policies and procedures.
Serve as a resource person and liaison for agency staff, the State Department, and other outside agencies.
Mentor co-workers, approve own work, and monitor work completed by Level I and II Case Managers.
Perform other related duties as required, including disaster-related assignments and emergency shelter duty when needed.