Benefit Programs Specialist I

Are you Richmond R.E.A.D.Y? Respect. Equity. Accountability. Diversity…YOU!!!

This is an EXCITING time to Join the City of Richmond! We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. As we continue to make strides to becoming the employer of choice, we are thrilled about the below employee benefit enhancements:

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

Description

The City of Richmond Department of Social Services is seeking a highly qualified candidate with strong customer service skills, effective time management abilities, and exceptional computer skills to fill several vacancies for the position of Benefits Programs Specialist I. The Benefit Programs Specialist I position is an entry level position for employees who will work under close supervision while being trained in determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs.

Duties include but are not limited to

• Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines
  their continuing eligibility;
• Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines
  reasons and need for assistance;
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; explains client
  responsibilities, rights and program availability;
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated
  substantiates its accuracy;
• Computes assistance plans;
  Determines the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance
  items;
• Evaluates such social factors as education, work experience, and levels of
  social functioning; and
• Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.
• Handle 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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Some knowledge of: basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.

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 communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• None required

• Bilingual experience is preferred.

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. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Jessica McKenzie, Human Resources Manager by email at Jessica.McKenzie@RVA.GOV.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The City of Richmond Values Veterans. We are an official V3 Certified Company.

The City of Richmond is a proud partner with the US Army Partnership for Your Success PaYS Program.

With over 4,000 employees, the City of Richmond is an "Employer of Choice" among cities throughout the nation. The City strives to hire and retain employees who bring dedication and talent to the workforce. Offering a competitive, cost effective, and quality benefits package is one element of an "Employer of Choice".

The City offers a full range of benefit programs from initial hire through retirement. Please visit our Web site for details.