Benefit Programs Specialist IV

State of Virginia • Washington, VA

349d • $57,500 • Hybrid

About The Position

Rappahannock County is a rural county in the northern region of Virginia with a population of approximately 7,400. The agency office is located about 120 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia in the town of Washington, Virginia, and is surrounded by open countryside merging into the beautiful Blueridge Mountains. Rappahannock County Dept. of Social Services offers a very competitive benefits package and supports a culture of work - life harmony. As an agency, we believe in the power of the team, exercising creativity and commitment in meeting the needs of our clients and community, and growing our agency and ourselves. A hybrid telework schedule may be extended to eligible staff after their completion of a minimum of 90 days in position and demonstration of sufficient program knowledge and proficiency in duties and responsibilities. The Benefit Programs Specialist IV serves as lead worker and assists the agency's Assistant Director by conducting program training for benefits staff, reviewing case files and providing back-up supervision as-needed; as well as serving 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. The BPS IV and agency staff in general typically carry a caseload below that of many agencies, with a focus on quality of determination work and client engagement across multiple assistance programs.

Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws, codes, policies, and procedures, including civil and Circuit Court procedures
• Basic human behavior, social problems and resources, and interviewing techniques
• Social, economic, health, and cultural factors which can serve as barriers to employment
• Counseling techniques
• Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software
• High school diploma supplemented with completion of required benefit programs training
• Direct experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware
• Additional work experience in a leadership role OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities

Nice To Haves

• Extensive experience working in a local Department of Social Services processing Benefit Program applications in multiple assistance categories using VACMS and other related software
• Experience as a lead or senior worker in a local department of social services
• Experience in TANF and/or VIEW programs

Responsibilities

• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and re-determines continuing eligibility; explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods
• Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various 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
• Explores alternative sources of income and assistance for clients
• Responds to inquiries from the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements
• Ensures that established deadlines are met
• Coordinates and interacts with other community resources and partners to assist clients in meeting assessed needs
• Identifies clearly discernible social problems and makes referrals to Family Services Specialists or community programs/resources
• Explains a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services, and child care services

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package
• Support for work-life harmony
• Hybrid telework schedule after 90 days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees