Benefit Programs Specialist IV - Frederick County, Va

Virginia Department of Social Services•Winchester, VA

About The Position

Benefit Programs Specialist IV represents the leadership level in the occupational group. Employees perform responsible lead work related to benefit programs. Employees are responsible for serving as lead worker and providing training and guidance to other Benefit Programs Specialists. Employees serve as support for the supervisor by performing tasks such as ensuring staff coverage, workload balance, training staff, reviewing case files, and providing backup supervision of staff. Employees may provide consultation on complex cases and may also work on complex case assignments which require dealing with information that is sensitive and confidential. Employees work within established policies, procedures and guidelines with a high degree of independence, seeking supervisory assistance only in unusually complicated and difficult cases/situations. The Benefit Programs Specialist IV is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Supervisor by the latter’s spending a majority of time in supervisory activities such as handling personnel issues, problems, and evaluating the work of others.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of: applicable laws, codes, policies, and procedures including civil and Circuit Court procedures related to public assistance and caseload management best practices; basic human behavior, social problems and resources, and interviewing techniques; social, economic, health, and cultural factors which can serve as barriers to employment; and counseling techniques.
Knowledge of problem solving, motivational theories, and leadership skills.
Comprehensive skills and abilities in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software, as well as navigation of large data bases and web-based interface programs.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases; read and interpret public policies and regulations sufficient to make decisions independently in a variety of public assistance program. Demonstrated ability to lead, provide guidance and training to other employees in program areas. Advanced oral and written communication skills.
High School Diploma with additional work experience in a leadership role and benefit programs or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Nice To Haves

Extensive knowledge of all, or a combination of the State of Virginia’s Benefits programs, to include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and/or other department of social services benefit assistance programs.
Direct knowledge and experience in management, direction and supervision of others, training in programs areas to other employees, human behavior and motivational theory.
Bachelor’s degree in the human services field and human services program experience in a lead or supervisory capacity or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Proficient in Virginia Social Services applications such as MMIS and VaCMS.
Veteran/Disabled Veteran (if all minimums are met)

Responsibilities

Serving as lead worker and providing training and guidance to other Benefit Programs Specialists
Serving as support for the supervisor by performing tasks such as ensuring staff coverage, workload balance, training staff, reviewing case files, and providing back-up supervision of staff
Providing consultation on complex cases and may also work on complex case assignments which require dealing with information that is sensitive and confidential
Conducting program training for staff
Reviewing case files and providing back-up supervision of staff
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
Preparing case records and reports
Working on the most complex and sensitive cases
Interpreting policies and procedures applicable to the various benefit programs, assists staff and clients in issues related to initial and continuing determination of eligibility of individuals and families
Collecting and compiling statistics from caseloads
Providing training to other eligibility workers on an individual or group basis
Coordinating training programs and orientation for new employees and clients
Exploring alternative sources of income and assistance
Responding to inquiries from the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements
Ensuring that established deadlines are met
Preparing monthly reports and maintains records of activities
Assisting in training new staff on policy and procedural matters
Coordinating and interacting with other community resources and partners to assist clients in meeting assessed needs