Benefit Programs Specialist II*

About the role

The City of Richmond Department of Social Services is seeking a Benefit Programs Specialist II to join their team. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, expertise in implementation, and excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Interviewing applicants and recipients for public assistance programs to accurately assess the total family situation based upon Federal, State, and local guidelines;
• Evaluating applicant eligibility utilizing policy manuals, procedures, and guidelines;
• Interpreting and implementing Federal/State benefit programs regulations/guidelines;
• Processing benefits applications;
• Managing caseloads for applicants/recipients of federal/state/locally funded programs;
• Compiling data and maintaining statistical reports related to caseload standings in order to meet compliance with policies/procedures;
• Collecting and verifying data to calculate benefit payment amounts;
• Handling changes in client status by updating information on systems and adjusting benefits;
• Referring customers to other resources/services within the City and outside agencies;
• Educating customers on their rights and responsibilities;
• Verifying information through correspondence, telephone and in-person interviews;
• Preparing case narratives/documentation;
• Performing other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Associates degree (A.S., A.A.) in Human Services, Social Work, Business Administration or related field;
• One year of demonstrated experience preferably in a human services environment involving administration of benefit programs and benefit eligibility determination;
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.

Skills

• Considerable knowledge in Benefits programs and policies including federal, state, and local regulations related to determining eligibility;
• Programs including policies and procedures (e.g. Medicaid, Auxiliary Grants), relevant theories/behavior models (e.g. Family Systems), and trends and behaviors (e.g. impact of poverty, homelessness) that impact the delivery of human services;
• Community resources and support;
• Case management techniques, principles, and practices to evaluate and coordinate the delivery of public assistance to customers;
• Demonstrated skills in Microsoft Office Suite;
• Social perceptiveness;
• Conflict resolution;
• Record keeping;
• Basic mathematical computation;
• Reading comprehension;
• Effective oral and written communication and customer service.

Benefits

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program

Pay

Competitive, cost-effective, and quality benefits package offered.

Schedule

Employees in this job classification are designated ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL and must be available to report to work during disasters, inclement weather, and other declared emergencies.

Other Information

• Do any of these apply? YesNo
• Which best describes your highest level of education? High School Diploma/GEDSome CollegeAssociate's DegreeBachelor's DegreeMaster's/Advanced DegreeNone of the above
• Which best describes your years of experience processing benefits for a local government? Less than 1 year of experience1 to 3 years of experience3 or more years of experience
• Which best describes your years of experience researching, interpreting and or applying policy and procedure? Less than 1 year of experience1 to 3 years of experience3 or more years of experience
• Which best describes your years of experience consulting with clients to provide services? Less than 1 year of experience1 to 3 years of experience3 or more years of experience
• Which best describes your years of experience entering, researching and reporting on information housed inside of a complex automated computer system? Less than 1 year of experience1 to 3 years of experience3 or more years of experience
• Which best describes your years of experience with case management? Less than 1 year of experience1 to 3 years of experience3 or more years of experience
• Select all that apply. SPIDeRVaCMSMMISSVESNo experience
• Are you fluent in speaking, reading, and writing Spanish? YesNo