Benefit Programs Specialist IV

Virginia Department of Social Services • Winchester, VA

1d • $61,110 - $74,526

About The Position

The Benefit Programs Specialist IV performs the duties of a Benefit Programs Specialist III with sustained accuracy and consistency, and takes on leadership responsibilities including mentoring and training eligibility workers, assisting supervisors, and handling complex and sensitive cases. The role determines eligibility and benefit levels for government assistance programs, maintains accurate case records, monitors recipient circumstances, explains program requirements and rights, and connects clients with community resources. The specialist also supports agency outreach, reporting, staff consultation, and emergency shelter operations when Winchester declares a state of emergency. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• Three years of performance ratings of acceptable or higher as a Benefit Program Specialist at any level, or in a similar position at a government social services agency.
• Thorough knowledge of benefit programs, supervisory and training experience, and demonstrated independent judgment and team leadership.
• Additional work experience in a leadership role and benefit programs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid and appropriate driver’s license.
• Completion of mandatory state training, including Medicaid and SNAP; additional program training may be required.
• Ability to read and comprehend and communicate effectively in correct English.
• Working knowledge of public service organization practices, economic and basic human behavior, financial assistance programs, eligibility requirements under state, local, and federal guidelines, regulations and policies, mathematics, and interviewing techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with customers, employers, courts, medical professionals, and others, in person and by phone.
• Ability to interview clients, gather and evaluate information, assess individual situations, and make referrals.
• Ability to determine ownership shares, analyze information from multiple sources, and identify missing information and gaps.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and use automated technology to establish and maintain case records and access data, including estate, retirement account, and real estate information.
• Ability to understand reports and manipulate data.
• Ability to maintain professional ethics and confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness, and draw logical conclusions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants, recipients, public and private agencies, coworkers, and the public, including under stressful conditions.
• Ability to perform light physical effort, including walking, talking, stooping, kneeling, light lifting, bending, reaching, and gripping, with lightweight materials up to 25 pounds.
• Vision meeting the minimum requirements set by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual English-Spanish ability.

Responsibilities

• Complete required state and in-house training on government programs and supplementary training in core program areas.
• Register applications, execute system searches, and schedule initial interviews.
• Interview applicants, obtain necessary information, and determine eligibility for assistance.
• Build positive working relationships with clients and explain benefit programs, assistance needs, and other social services.
• Process applications for financial assistance and diversion, accurately determine eligibility and benefit levels using automated and manual methods, and meet established deadlines.
• Interpret policies and procedures for benefit programs and explain applicants’ and recipients’ rights and responsibilities.
• Monitor cases for changes in recipient circumstances and update benefit levels in accordance with program guidelines.
• Evaluate clients’ employment status and explore potential sources of income.
• Maintain accurate case records and documentation and prepare program reports as applicable.
• Evaluate the consistency and completeness of information, verify accuracy, identify possible fraud, and make appropriate referrals.
• Provide information about community resources and make referrals, including referrals to the Services unit when abuse or neglect issues arise.
• Make home visits as needed.
• Mentor new eligibility workers and coordinate their training and orientation.
• Handle the most complex and sensitive cases.
• Represent the agency through outreach, community meetings, and presentations to community partners.
• Assist Benefit Programs Supervisors with case readings and staff training, and provide back-up staff supervision.
• Answer staff questions about policies and procedures, suggest case-management methods, and consult on complex cases.
• Prepare statistical reports, create charts, and maintain data dashboards as applicable.
• Train eligibility workers individually or in groups.
• Respond to public inquiries about assistance programs and eligibility requirements.
• Work assigned shifts to set up and staff emergency shelters if Winchester declares a state of emergency.
• Contribute to a positive work environment.

Benefits

• A $5,000 hiring bonus is available to qualified candidates with at least two years of Benefit Programs experience who have successfully completed all required trainings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed