What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefit Programs Specialist I position at City of Virginia Beach?
Job Duties:
The City of Virginia Beach, Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a motivated candidate to perform professional case work duties, self-sufficiency evaluations and coaching for individuals and/or families receiving public assistance benefits through the Financial Assistance Division. Selected candidates may be placed in various benefit eligibility program units such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Adult Medicaid, Family and Children's Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Energy Assistance Programs, Long Term Care (LTC), and Aged Blind and Disabled (ABD).
A $3,000 hiring bonus is being offered for this position. Hiring bonuses shall only be for new hires of original employment or reemployment as defined in Human Resources Policy No. 5.0.
- $500 will be awarded in the first paycheck.
- $1,000 will be awarded upon completion of the six (6) month interim performance evaluation with an overall rating of “Meets Expectations”.
- $1,500 will be awarded upon completion of the employee’s one (1) year probationary period and a performance evaluation with an overall rating of “Meets Expectations”.
Duties:
- Conduct face-to-face interviews with customers to determine eligibility for eligibility benefit programs using strong interpersonal skills and interviewing techniques; and establish rapport with customers to assess their needs and make appropriate referrals to assist customers to become self-sufficient.
- Collect, organize, evaluate, and verify documentation and data to determine eligibility for eligibility benefit programs.
- Organize, monitor and prioritize assigned cases to ensure required electronic case records and documents are properly filed, processed, verified and updated within specific time limits to meet the deadlines established by state and federal guidelines.
- Maintain and update appropriate records and management reports using computer skills and documentation; update data pertaining to the assigned case load by completing and filing all agency forms; makes timely and appropriate entries in case records of all actions taken; performs routine clearings to verify client eligibility; ensures that documents placed in record are accurate and complete.
- Interpret and apply complex federal, state, and local policies.
- Make contact with other agencies, individuals, and employers to obtain information to determine eligibility.
- Complete basic mathematical computations.
- Maintain and document client encounters into case records and management reports.
- Schedule activities, establish priorities, and comply with deadlines using effective time management and organizational skills.
- Provide high level customer service in person and via telephone when explaining eligibility requirements to applicants and the public.
- Participate in assigned and available training sessions to enhance job performance.
The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and Paid-Time-Off.
Official City Job Description:
https://virginia-beach-departments-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/city/job-descriptions-pay-plans/Benefit-Programs-Specialist-I-00733.pdf
Working Conditions:
https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.007028.1.pdf
Minimum Requirements:
MINIMUMS: Requires a Bachelors degree in human services, business administration, accounting, or a related field; OR any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to four (4) years in fields such as social services benefits programs, clerical accounting, or medical billing and coding utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Alpha I Status: Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City's operational status.
Additional Requirements:
DMV Transcript: Not Required
CDL: Not Required
DOT History: Not Required
CPS Check: Not Required
Physical: Not Required
Respirator: Not Required
Polygraph Review: Not Required
Psychological Screening: Not Required
Attachments Required: Resume.
Preferences:
Customer Service experience in a high-volume environment (i.e. public agency, call center, etc.)
Experience determining eligibility for a service or loan based on income.
Clerical accounting experience.
Experience maintaining variable workloads including paperwork/documentation and customer contact.
Experience applying Fed and State eligibility guidelines & procedures
Experience utilizing a benefits eligibility computer program.
Eligibility caseload management experience.
Eligibility/benefits work experience in State & Fed programs
Special Instructions:
- Please complete the application in its entirety and include your resume if required by the posting.
- Your responses to any "Supplemental Questions", if attached to this requisition, must be supported by the information you provide on your application and/or resume; or otherwise demonstrated during the hiring process.
- You will not be able to access the details of this job ad once the closing date has passed. If you would like to retain this information, please take a screen shot or print using your browser's printing capability.
VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.
Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.
Salary : $43,359 - $67,207
