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. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the city's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth opportunities.

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, Special Certifications And Licenses

• 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;
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policy, keeping up to date with policy changes and guidance;
• Communicate information and ideas so others understand;
• Listen and understand information and ideas;
• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense;
• Show sensitivity and empathy;
• Manage time effectively.

Minimum Training And Experience

• 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.

Preferred Training And Experience

• Bilingual experience is preferred;
• Three or more years of experience processing benefit programs (e.g. SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, ABD, LTC) in a social services environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.