Benefit Programs Specialist IV

Virginia Department of Social Services•Wise, VA

About The Position

Benefit Programs Specialist IV (Case Reader) 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

Extensive knowledge of all benefit programs sufficient to interpret and apply policy and procedure to read benefit case records and prepare reports based of the findings.
Comprehensive knowledge of: applicable laws, codes, policies.
Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software/VACMS.
Ability to apply all benefit programs policy and procedure sufficient to interpret case readings.
Ability to discuss findings of case reading, orally and written reports, with Benefit Manager, Supervisors and workers.
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

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.
Extensive knowledge of all benefit programs policy and procedures sufficient to interpret case readings.

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.
Prepares monthly reports and maintains records of activities.
Conducts case reviews for quality assurance for all benefit programs including TANF, SNAP, and Virginia Medicaid. Discuss findings both orally and in writing with worker.
Assimilate and enters all case reading(s) into the state provided review system, Rushmore.
Plan, prioritize, and perform multiple activities independently sufficient to organize own work schedule.