Senior Public Benefits Program Specialist - TANF

Loudoun County Government • Leesburg, VA

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

Loudoun County Department of Family Services seeks a dedicated, professional candidate for its Senior Public Benefits Specialist role. The successful candidate will join the Public Assistance and Supports Division and the diverse department that envisions better health, safety, and well-being for all. The Department supports individuals and families in the community to live their best lives while advocating for those most vulnerable and respecting their right to self-determination.

This position is responsible for determining eligibility for complex public assistance programs, with a primary focus on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medical Assistance programs. Responsibilities include independently conducting interviews with applicants and recipients, gathering and evaluating required verification, interpreting and applying state and federal policy, and completing timely and accurate eligibility determinations. The Public Benefits Specialist IV is responsible for processing applications, conducting redeterminations, taking timely action on reported changes, maintaining thorough case documentation, and ensuring ongoing eligibility and program compliance. Cases assigned to this position are complex in nature and require a high level of technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

In addition to eligibility determination responsibilities, this position collaborates closely with other programs and service areas within the Department, including the Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW), to support participant engagement, communicate changes affecting eligibility or participation, and promote pathways toward self-sufficiency. The position plays a critical role in connecting individuals and families to resources and services that foster long-term stability and economic independence.

As a senior member of the Public Benefits Unit, the Public Benefits Specialist IV serves as a subject matter expert, providing technical guidance and support to other Public Benefits Specialists, assisting with training and mentoring activities, and providing backup coverage for supervisory functions as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and four (4) years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medical Assistance programs, and related federal and state policies and procedures
• Knowledge of automated eligibility systems and technology used to administer public assistance programs
• Knowledge of case management principles, interviewing techniques, and service coordination practices
• Skill in conducting comprehensive interviews to assess eligibility, identify barriers to self-sufficiency, and gather information necessary to support participant success
• Skill in providing effective case management and fostering participant engagement in program requirements and supportive services
• Skill in interpreting and applying complex laws, regulations, and policies to determine eligibility and ensure ongoing compliance
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment in complex situations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex policies in a clear and understandable manner
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, community partners, coworkers, and other stakeholders
• Ability to mentor peers, share technical expertise, and contribute to the overall success of the Public Benefits Unit
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record
• Ability to make decisions involving people, resources, and property

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Public Benefits policy knowledge and experience processing SNAP, Medical Assistance, TANF, and Refugee Assistance applications and renewals

Responsibilities

• Independently conducting interviews with applicants and recipients
• Gathering and evaluating required verification
• Interpreting and applying state and federal policy
• Completing timely and accurate eligibility determinations
• Processing applications
• Conducting redeterminations
• Taking timely action on reported changes
• Maintaining thorough case documentation
• Ensuring ongoing eligibility and program compliance
• Collaborating closely with other programs and service areas within the Department, including the Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW)
• Supporting participant engagement
• Communicating changes affecting eligibility or participation
• Promoting pathways toward self-sufficiency
• Connecting individuals and families to resources and services that foster long-term stability and economic independence
• Serving as a subject matter expert
• Providing technical guidance and support to other Public Benefits Specialists
• Assisting with training and mentoring activities
• Providing backup coverage for supervisory functions as needed

Benefits

• Employee wellness
• Work-life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior