Benefit Programs Specialist IV

Virginia Department of Social Services • Berryville, VA

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Clarke County Department of Social Services is actively seeking a Benefit Programs Specialist IV to join their team. This role reports directly to the Benefit Programs Supervisor and is part of the Leadership Team. The Specialist performs lead work related to benefit programs, including serving as a lead worker and providing training and guidance to other Benefit Programs Specialists. The candidate must have extensive knowledge of benefit programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP), Medicaid, and/or other department of social services benefit assistance programs.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of benefit programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP), Medicaid, and/or other department of social services benefit assistance programs.
• Comprehensive skills and abilities in operating a personal computer and the associate office and agency software as well as navigating large databases.
• Comprehensive knowledge of laws, codes, policies and procedures related to public assistance and caseload management best practices, basic human behavior, social problems and resources, and interviewing techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases, read and interpret policies and regulations sufficient to make decisions independently in a variety of public assistance programs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, provide guidance and training to other employees in benefit program areas.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills.
• 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.
• Knowledge of social, economic, health and cultural factors which can serve as barriers to employment and knowledge of counseling techniques.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and the associate software programs.
• High school diploma supplemented with additional training and benefit program work experience, including the use of computer software and hardware and the completion of Benefit Programs training, OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Additional work experience in a leadership role and benefit programs OR any equivalent combination that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Extensive experience in Virginia Social Services Benefit Programs and completion of Benefit Programs Training.
• Proficient in Social Services applications such as VaCMS and MMIS.
• Prior employment in a Local Department of Social Services.
• Prior leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Serving as support for the Benefit Programs Supervisor by performing tasks such as ensuring staff coverage, workload balance, training staff, reviewing case files, and providing backup supervision of staff.
• Providing consultation on complex cases and working on complex case assignments which require dealing with information that is sensitive and confidential.
• Working independently within established guidance and policies, and seeking assistance in complex and difficult casework.
• Operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software, as well as navigating large databases.
• Managing complex cases, reading and interpreting policies and regulations sufficient to make decisions independently in a variety of public assistance programs.
• Leading, providing guidance, and training to other employees in benefit program areas.
• Utilizing advanced oral and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Employees may be subject to a criminal history background search, Central Registry search, DMV/Driving Record check, and fingerprint check.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required background checks and searches.
• All employees are required to report for emergency shelter duty in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED