What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Services Benefit Programs Manager position at 510-Alexandria Dept Of Social Services?
Hiring Range: $84,029.14 to $142.133.00
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
Additional Detail
Human Services Benefits Program Manager
The City of Alexandria is bordered by Washington D.C. and the Potomac River, Arlington and Fairfax counties, and Maryland. The small city has a cosmopolitan feel with 150,000 people living within its 15.75 square miles. At the Department of Community and Human Services, we provide essential safety net services to help city residents enjoy a sense of well-being, safety and self-sufficiency. Our behavioral health programs provide compassionate services that support self-determination and recovery. The beauty of our diverse and resilient people and our commitment to race and social equity, coupled with a historic district dating to 1749, charming waterfront, vibrant arts community and unique places for foodies and shopping, make the City of Alexandria a uniquely wonderful place to live, work and play. We invite all qualified candidates to learn more and apply for our Human Services Benefits Program Manager position.
The Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services utilizes a comprehensive approach to deliver effective and essential safety net services to help low-income Alexandrians have a sense of safety, well-being, and economic security. The Benefits Programs, a division within DCHS’ Center for Economic Support (CES), is part of this continuum of services, administering public assistance programs to eligible residents. Benefits Programs’ work is accomplished in partnership with other CES divisions (Office of Community Services, Customer Relations, and the Workforce Development Center), DCHS’ social and behavioral health services divisions, City departments, and community agencies.
The Manager of Human Services Benefits Programs operates in a hybrid of virtual and in-person, supervises eight direct reports, and leads the Benefits Program Division. The incumbent develops work plans and manages the administration of State and Federal public assistance programs, which include reviewing and evaluating policies and the effects of new policies/revisions on the agency; providing quality services; developing standards of operations for ethical practice; and serving as the departmental liaison to collaborative partners and citizens. The incumbent exercises initiative and independent judgment in performing the position's tasks under the CES Director's general supervision.
Examples of Duties:
- Promote and align program operations, goals, policies, and procedures with the City and the department’s equity priorities, mission, visions, and core values to meet the needs of the community;
- Direct the administration, strategy, and development of the City’s Public Benefits Division, including managing change initiatives;
- Demonstrate expert knowledge and skills in planning, organizing, and managing eligibility determination for Public Benefits Programs, including Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, Childcare, Long-term Care, Energy Assistance Programs, Fraud and Claims, General Relief, Auxiliary Grants, and Refugee Cash Assistance;
- Implemented operational procedures effectively and timely for federal and state-level policy changes;
- Provide consultation and coaching to supervisors on personnel issues, eligibility functions, division and departmental procedures, and interpretation of policy;
- Make recommendations for hiring transfers, promotions, and terminations of personnel;
- Manage the programs’ effectiveness using data metrics and input from participants and staff
- Create, foster, and sustain a high-performing culture through effective change management, employee engagement, strategic communication, and performance development;
- Achieve compliance and low error rates in all program areas under the purview and prepare, implement, and monitor corrective action plans for compliance as necessary;
- Ensure that all staff provide customer-centric services and address concerns and customer service issues
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Comprehensive knowledge of human behavior, social problems, and human services delivery systems; expert knowledge of Federal Public Benefits Programs; strong knowledge and skills in utilizing all database systems that support the administration of Public Benefits Programs. Comprehensive understanding of concepts and practices of leadership, supervision, and coaching; good knowledge and practice of process management techniques and benchmarking; good understanding of change management and ability to actively plan and organize various projects; ability to interpret regulations and explain objectives and procedures; ability to provide, model, and foster excellent customer service; ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to motivate staff to develop their skills and knowledge; ability to gather, analyze, and make data-informed decisions; ability to think critically and develop and implement creative solutions; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other agencies, civic groups, government officials, colleagues, and the general public; ability to make sound decisions in difficult situations; and the ability to prepare detailed, complex reports and administrative directives.
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum: Four-year college Degree; completion of college-level courses in sociology and management or related fields; and experience in eligibility work, including in a supervisory/managerial capacity; or any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Comprehensive knowledge of human behavior, social problems, and human services delivery systems; expert knowledge of Federal Public Benefits Programs; strong knowledge and skills in utilizing all database systems that support the administration of Public Benefits Programs. Comprehensive understanding of concepts and practices of leadership, supervision, and coaching; good knowledge and practice of process management techniques and benchmarking; good understanding of change management and ability to actively plan and organize various projects; ability to interpret regulations and explain objectives and procedures; and ability to provide, model, and foster excellent customer service.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in social work, psychology, public administration, and management or human services-related field; extensive supervisory experience; demonstrated knowledge and experience in implementing and managing eligibility supervisors' work and administrating public benefit programs' work. Understanding of current social, economic, health, and governmental conditions and human behavior; expert knowledge of all Virginia public assistance programs, policies, and regulations; Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities to lead change utilizing progressive leadership strategies; considerable knowledge of database systems and standard office software to include VACMS, Harmony, Spider, MMIS, IBM, and Commonhelp. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to develop metrics, pull and analyze data, work effectively with individuals and groups, and understand management principles and administration methods, including planning, organizing, fiscal management, and leading and coaching personnel.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary : $84,029