Benefit Programs Specialist IV (Franklin County)

Title Description- Benefit Programs Specialist IV represents the leadership level in the occupational group. Employees perform responsible lead work related to benefit programs. Employees are responsible for serving as lead worker and providing training and guidance to other Benefit Programs Specialists. Employees 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. Employees may provide consultation on complex cases and may also work on complex case assignments which require dealing with information that is sensitive and confidential. Employees work within established policies, procedures and guidelines with a high degree of independence, seeking supervisory assistance only in unusually complicated and difficult cases/situations. The Benefit Programs Specialist IV is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Supervisor by the latter’s spending a majority of time in supervisory activities such as handling personnel issues, problems, and evaluating the work of others.

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) –

• 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; and
• Coordinates and interacts with other community resources and partners to assist clients in meeting assessed needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge- Comprehensive knowledge of: applicable laws, codes, policies, and

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities-procedures, including civil and Circuit Court procedures; basic human behavior, social problems and resources, and interviewing techniques; social, economic, health, and cultural factors which can serve as barriers to employment; and counseling techniques.

Skills- Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.

Abilities- Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.

Education and Experience- Same as required in Benefit Program Specialist III with additional work experience in a leadership role and benefit programs OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.