Benefit Programs Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $57,500.00 to Depending on Qualifications

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Rappahannock County is a rural county in the northern region of Virginia with a population of approximately 7,400. The agency office is located about 120 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia in the town of Washington, Virginia, and is surrounded by open countryside merging into the beautiful Blueridge Mountains.

Rappahannock County Dept. of Social Services offers a very competitive benefits package and supports a culture of work - life harmony. As an agency, we believe in the power of the team, exercising creativity and commitment in meeting the needs of our clients and community, and growing our agency and ourselves. A hybrid telework schedule may be extended to eligible staff after their completion of a minimum of 90 days in position and demonstration of sufficient program knowledge and proficiency in duties and responsibilities.

The Benefit Programs Specialist IV serves as lead worker and assists the agency's Assistant Director by conducting program training for benefits staff, reviewing case files and providing back-up supervision as-needed; as well as serving 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. The BPS IV and agency staff in general typically carry a caseload below that of many agencies, with a focus on quality of determination work and client engagement across multiple assistance programs.

General work tasks include but are not limited to:

• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and re-determines continuing eligibility; explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods
• Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various 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
• Explores alternative sources of income and assistance for clients
• Responds to inquiries from the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements
• Ensures that established deadlines are met
• Coordinates and interacts with other community resources and partners to assist clients in meeting assessed needs
• Identifies clearly discernible social problems and makes referrals to Family Services Specialists or community programs/resources
• Explains a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services, and child care services

Minimum Qualifications
Comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws, codes, policies, and 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.

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

High school diploma supplemented with completion of required benefit programs training; direct experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware; and additional work experience in a leadership role OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Demonstrated ability to include but not limited to:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a broad spectrum of individuals to include customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone
• Determine a client's ownership share in situations
• Make mathematical computations
• Analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps
• Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form
• 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
• 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
• Maintain reliability and dependability in attendance and performance of assigned duties

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience working in a local Department of Social Services processing Benefit Program applications in multiple assistance categories using VACMS and other related software
• Experience as a lead or senior worker in a local department of social services
• Experience in TANF and/or VIEW programs

Special Requirements of Applicants
Applicants may be subject to a Criminal Background search, central registry (CPS) search, DMV (driving record) 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. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of required checks and screenings.

Employee must be willing to work in the local emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency and/or an alternative work location during unscheduled office closings.

Special Instructions to Applicants
**Please note agency location before applying!** The Agency is located in the town of Washington, Virginia in Rappahannock County, about 120 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia, not in the Northern Neck or adjacent areas.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application/resume.