Hiring Range: $49,362.00 to $77,126.00

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

Title Description- Benefit Programs Specialist IV 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.

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) -

• 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; and
• Coordinates and interacts with other community resources and partners to assist clients in meeting assessed needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge- 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.

Skills- Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.

Abilities- Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software. Education and Experience- 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.

Minimum Qualifications:Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, 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; and interviewing techniques such as data collection, interrogation, and investigation.

Display proper emotional intelligence and leadership qualities.

Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases; read and interpret public policies and regulations sufficient to make decisions independently in a variety of public assistance program; train staff; speak in public, promoting agency programs; share learned information with co-workers; communicate effectively and diplomatically both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone; interview, gather information, assess client's needs through collection and analysis of employment history and pertinent personal, family and cultural information; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, reports, and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations; identify customers' needs and explore options to address these needs within the available community resources; and knowledgeable in Virginia Case Management System, Data Warehouse, EPPIC and SPYDER systems.

Preferred Qualifications:Prefer a bachelor's degree in human services or related field, plus 4 years or more of job experience with Department of Social Services.
Prefer mid-level experience in a leadership role. Experience working on long term cases also a preferred qualification.

Special Requirements::Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.
The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

This position is covered under Code of Virginia §63.2-1601.1 or §63.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.

Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Special Instructions to Applicants:Applications are accepted online only through this posting. Mailed, faxed, hand delivered and emailed applications will not be considered.