Benefit Programs Specialist IV

New LHRC External Career Site•Fork Union, VA

About The Position

Fluvanna County Department of Social Services, a team of human services professionals, is currently recruiting for a Benefit Programs Specialist IV, who is seeking to make a positive difference in the lives of adults, families and children. Title Description- 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 back-up 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

Completion of VDSS training and proficiency in determining eligibility for benefits programs such as SNAP, Medicaid and TANF
Proficiency in using the VaCMS system to process cases
Experience with interviewing applicants to determine eligibility for benefits programs
Ability to work independently with little supervision
Comprehensive knowledge of: applicable laws, codes, policies and DSS computer programs.
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; and counseling techniques.
Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.
Same as required in Benefit Program Specialist III 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

Experience with conducting training and working in a leadership role.
Ability to determine eligibility for complex cases.

Responsibilities

Serves as lead worker and assists supervisor by conducting program training for staff, reviewing case files and providing back-up supervision of staff
Serves 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
Prepares case records and reports
Works on the most complex and sensitive cases
Interprets 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
Collects and compiles statistics from caseloads
Provides training to other eligibility workers on an individual or group basis
Coordinates training programs and orientation for new employees and clients
Explores alternative sources of income and assistance
Responds to inquiries from the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements
Ensures that established deadlines are met
Prepares monthly reports and maintains records of activities
Assists in training new staff on policy and procedural matters
Coordinates and interacts with other community resources and partners to assist clients in meeting assessed needs.