Benefit Programs Specialist IV

Virginia Department of Social Services•Harrisonburg, VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District administers a wide variety of programs and services that assist children, youth, adults, and families, individuals with disabilities, and older adults with basic supports and medical needs as well as services to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. All services are delivered under state and federal mandates or under local initiatives that seek to improve family stability, help families achieve safe and affordable housing, and increase self-sufficiency. Our Vision is better health, safety, and well-being for all. Our mission is people helping people triumph over poverty, abuse, and neglect to shape futures for themselves, their families and communities. This is a technical position. The Employee performs responsible lead work related to benefit programs. The employee is responsible for serving as lead worker and providing training and guidance to other Benefit Programs Specialists. This position serves 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. The employee works within established policies, procedures and guidelines with a high degree of independence, seeking supervisory assistance only in unusually complicated and difficult cases/situations.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of: applicable laws, codes, policies, and knowledge, skills, and abilities, 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.
Considerable knowledge of codes, policies, and procedures related to public assistance programs; basic human behavior; financial assistance programs sufficient to determine benefits eligibility; human services programs and how each interrelates; the strategic planning process; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; interviewing techniques such as data collection, interpretation, and investigation.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases, read and interpret public policies and regulations sufficient to making decisions independently in a variety of public assistance programs; speak in public, promoting agency programs; develop brochures and pamphlets, learned information with co-workers; communicate effective and diplomatically both orally and in writing; interview, gather information, re-evaluate each client's situations and make referrals; assess client's needs through collection and analysis of household financial and non-financial circumstances, use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgement, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing local conclusions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipient's, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations; provide accurate technical assistance and guidance to internal and external customers on policy and procedures; analyze, interpret and apply complex federal stated law and regulations; work successfully independently and as a team member; manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload; and work collaboratively and cooperatively with internal staff as well as external partners on projects.
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 knowledge, skills and abilities.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish
Proficient in working with automated eligibility systems such as Virginia Case Management System (VaCMS), Application Benefit Delivery Automation Project (ADAPT, Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS).

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

Benefits

Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
Paid Time Off (accumulate 12 hours per month)
Annual Paid Holidays (observe 12 per year)
Group Health Plan
Group Life Insurance
Group Dental Insurance
Group Vision Insurance
Wellness Memberships
Direct Deposit
AFLAC
Exceptional Performance Recognition
Virginia Credit Union Membership
Tele-working available upon successful completion of training and probation (up to 3 days per week)