Sr. Benefit Programs Supervisor

City of Portsmouth•Portsmouth, VA

About The Position

Under limited supervision, performs supervisory and administrative duties in multiple benefit programs administered through Social Services. Reports to the Chief of Benefits. The role oversees Benefit Programs Supervisors and assigned units, supports administration of Financial Services programs, and works to ensure federal and state quality and quantity performance standards are achieved and maintained. It contributes to departmental planning and management, including management plans and input on bureau- or agency-level budget issues. The position supervises and administers program operations, including expenditures, staff development and training, succession planning, performance management, employee relations, and work prioritization and assignment. It supports staff with complex or difficult cases through consultation, case handling, and decisions on controversial or exceptional cases. The role also participates in committees, task forces, meetings, training, presentations, public relations, and special projects; maintains relationships with customers, organizations, and the public; and makes service referrals and addresses customer concerns. Other duties may be assigned, with individual assignments determined by the supervisor according to workload and department needs. The position requires thorough knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, procedures, social work practices, and documentation associated with multiple benefit programs; knowledge of supervision and administration; and the ability to direct staff, analyze and apply standards, prepare reports, explain program rules, handle confidential files, and maintain effective working relationships. A bachelor's degree in sociology, human services, or a related field and 5–7 years of progressively responsible human services program eligibility or case management experience, including 2–3 years of supervisory experience, are required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. An acceptable background check is required, and the employee cannot have a founded child abuse or neglect complaint. During a declared city emergency, the employee is required to work shelter duty and may be called upon to perform duties supporting community safety and care. Work is sedentary for most of the time, with possible walking or standing for extended periods. The role requires operating automated office equipment and occasionally exerting up to 20 pounds of force. The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in sociology, human services, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in human services program eligibility or case management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
2–3 years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing multiple benefit programs.
Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques, and practices and their application to multiple-benefit casework.
Knowledge of benefit program forms, documents, and manuals; other Social Services and community human services programs; community social and economic factors; supervision, organization, administration, and public administration.
Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate subordinate employees; use common office machines and computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet, and file-maintenance programs; compile information and prepare clear reports; apply standards using initiative and independent judgment; explain program rules; handle confidential files; and establish effective working relationships.
Acceptable general background check, including local, state, and federal criminal history and sex offender registry checks.
Cannot be listed as having a founded child abuse or neglect complaint.
Required to perform shelter duty during a declared emergency in the City of Portsmouth and may be called upon to perform duties necessary for community safety and care.
Ability to operate automated office equipment, including computers, calculators, copiers, and facsimile machines; occasionally exert up to 20 pounds of force; and sit for most of the workday, with possible extended walking or standing.
Ability to communicate effectively in standard English, make presentations, perform mathematical calculations, use office equipment with hand-eye coordination, and work with people under stress.

Responsibilities

Supervise Benefit Programs Supervisors and monitor and review case actions of assigned units.
Participate in planning and managing the administration of Financial Services programs and procedures to meet federal and state quality and quantity performance standards.
Develop, implement, and monitor departmental management plans and provide input and recommendations on bureau- or agency-level budget issues.
Oversee expenditures, staff development and training, succession planning, performance management, employee relations, and work prioritization and assignment.
Assist staff with difficult and complex cases through consultations, personal case handling, and decisions on controversial or exceptional cases.
Advise staff on difficult issues and decide exceptional cases to manage and implement appropriate services and assistance.
Serve on committees and task forces; attend training sessions and unit meetings; make presentations; participate in public relations activities and special projects; and represent the agency as needed.
Develop and maintain rapport with customers, organizations, and the general public.
Make service referrals within the department and to other agencies as needed, and resolve customer concerns.
Perform other assigned duties based on workload and department needs.
Maintain accuracy, quality, productivity, dependability, attendance, initiative, judgment, cooperative relationships, effective work coordination, and compliance with safety and housekeeping standards.