Programs Specialist IV

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 the position of Benefit Programs Specialist IV. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills which will assist with the interpretation of policy and procedures, expertise in implementation, and excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

The Benefit Programs Specialist IV classification is a leadership level, performing lead work related to benefit programs. Employees are responsible for serving as a lead worker and providing guidance to other Benefit Programs Specialists. Employees also serve as support for the supervisor by performing tasks such as ensuring staff coverage, workload balance, training staff, reviewing case files, and providing back‑up supervision of staff.

This position also offers the ability to telework a minimum of 50% of time.

• Serves as lead worker and assists supervisor by conducting program training for staff, reviewing case files and providing back‑up supervision of staff
• Serves 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
• Prepares case records and reports
• Works on the most complex and sensitive cases;
  Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various benefit 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
• Coordinates training programs and orientation for new employees and clients
• Explores alternative sources of income and assistance
• Responds to inquiries from the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements
• Ensures that established deadlines are met
• Prepares monthly reports and maintains records of activities
• Assists in training new staff on policy and procedural matters
• Coordinates and interacts with other community resources and partners to assist clients in meeting assessed needs
• Detects fraud cases and makes appropriate referrals to supervisor, and assists with fraud investigation activities
• May be assigned specialized functions or projects requiring a broad working knowledge of public assistance functions (e.g., intake, fraud)
• Maintains extensive current knowledge of programs and eligibility requirements, financial and non‑financial criteria, policies and guidelines as well as current forms, reports and other related documentation required for eligibility and services determinations
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Thorough working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing public assistance, services programs and welfare reform; broad understanding of basic human needs and of individual differences
• Financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re‑determine eligibility for benefits
• Excellent working knowledge of interviewing techniques and skills in interviewing and eliciting needed information from applicants and recipients. Demonstrated skills in using supportive counseling techniques to enhance and develop clients’ problem‑solving capabilities
• Operating a personal computer and agency software
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals to include but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone
• Analyzing information and determining from a variety of sources missing information and gaps and making mathematical computations. Demonstrated ability to assess client needs through collection and analysis of employment history and pertinent personal, family and cultural information
• Apply acquired knowledge of human behavior and social functioning
• Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality of client information
• Excellent organization skills with the demonstrated ability to plan and execute work…