Benefit Programs Specialist II

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”.

The City of Virginia Beach Department of Human Services is seeking talented Benefit Programs Specialist II's to join the Eligibility Benefits Program Division.  Candidates will perform tasks related to the determination of eligibility for eligibility benefit programs; implement effective caseload management techniques; assess the customer's need for services; participate in staff and program development; and serve as a lead worker within a unit. In the future, based on staffing levels and operational needs, the BPSII position may be considered for in-take only functions.

  Duties:

• Conduct face-to-face interviews in a professional manner with customers to determine eligibility for eligibility benefit programs using strong interpersonal skills and established interviewing techniques.
• Assess customer needs, evaluate and verify information obtained and apply appropriate federal, state, and local policies and procedures within prescribed time frames with a minimal number of errors, overdue applications, and case reviews.
• Provide guidance and direction in crisis situations.
• Appropriately defuse emotions and foster customer readiness to use available services and pursue self-sufficiency.
• Collect, organize, evaluate, and verify documentation and data to determine eligibility for eligibility benefit programs;  document case findings accurately to reflect customer's situation and to substantiate verification of all eligibility factors; initiate and update data in multiple computer systems accurately and in a timely manner.
• Interpret and apply complex federal, state, and local policies.
• Provide leadership to the unit by assisting in supervisory functions including training of new staff, while modeling a high standard of performance.
• Conduct presentations to community groups to increase public awareness of agency programs.
• Maintain and update appropriate records and management reports using computer skills and documentation which reflect an accurate accounting of caseload responsibility.
• Schedule activities, establish priorities and comply with deadlines using effective time management and organizational skills.
• Participate in appropriate training sessions to enhance job performance; effectively assist the supervisor with training of staff and in making presentations to community groups.
• Effectively serve as a lead worker and carry out designated responsibilities professionally, accurately and in a timely manner.