Programs Specialist II

Overview

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.

A $3,000 hiring bonus is being offered for this position. Hiring bonuses shall only be for new hires of original full-time employment or reemployment as defined in Human Resources Policy No. 5.0.

• $3,000 hiring bonus is being offered for this position. Hiring bonuses shall only be for new hires of original full-time 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”.

• 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.

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 leave.