Benefit Programs Specialist I

The City of Virginia Beach, Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking motivated candidates 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 leave.