Benefit Programs Specialist IV
About The Position
Benefit Programs Specialist IV is the leadership level in the occupational group and performs responsible lead work related to benefit programs. The employee serves as a lead worker, provides training and guidance to other Benefit Programs Specialists, and supports the supervisor by helping ensure staff coverage and workload balance, training staff, reviewing case files, and providing back-up supervision. The position may provide consultation on complex cases and handle complex assignments involving sensitive and confidential information. Employees work with a high degree of independence within established policies, procedures, and guidelines, seeking supervisory assistance only for unusually complicated or difficult cases and situations. The role is distinguished from Benefit Programs Supervisor, whose work primarily involves supervisory activities such as handling personnel issues and evaluating others’ work. The position requires considerable knowledge of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and IV-E. It requires 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 that can serve as barriers to employment; and counseling techniques. The employee must be skilled in operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software. Education and experience are the same as required for Benefit Program Specialist III, with additional work experience in a leadership role and benefit programs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Requirements
- Considerable knowledge of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and IV-E.
- Comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws, codes, policies, and procedures, including civil and Circuit Court procedures.
- Knowledge of basic human behavior, social problems and resources, interviewing techniques, social, economic, health, and cultural factors that can serve as barriers to employment, and counseling techniques.
- Skill in operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software.
- Education and experience equivalent to the requirements for Benefit Program Specialist III, with 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.
- For Tazewell County DSS employees only.
Responsibilities
- Serves as lead worker and assists the supervisor by conducting program training, reviewing case files, and providing back-up supervision of staff.
- Answers staff questions about policies and procedures, suggests effective case-management methods, and consults on complex cases.
- Prepares case records and reports.
- Works on the most complex and sensitive cases.
- Interprets policies and procedures for benefit programs and assists staff and clients with initial and continuing eligibility determinations for individuals and families.
- Collects and compiles caseload statistics.
- Provides individual or group training to other eligibility workers.
- Coordinates training programs and orientation for new employees and clients.
- Explores alternative sources of income and assistance.
- Responds to public inquiries about public assistance programs and eligibility requirements.
- Ensures established deadlines are met.
- Prepares monthly reports and maintains activity records.
- Assists in training new staff on policy and procedural matters.
- Coordinates and interacts with community resources and partners to help clients meet assessed needs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
