Benefit Programs Specialist

Benefit Programs SpecialistThe City of Lynchburg is recruiting for a Benefit Programs Specialist to handle initial and ongoing functions in all eligibility programs offered by the Department of Human Services. Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned. The Benefit Programs Specialist position includes a progression plan. The City of Lynchburg offers competitive benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, tuition assistance, paid time off and parental leave and retirement plan.Essential DutiesEssential duties include the following. Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.Conducts comprehensive interviews for assistance and determines initial and ongoing eligibility by securing and verifying financial information;Makes visits to client's residence to obtain information when necessary;Completes processing of all assigned benefit programs;Keys information obtained to an on-line computer system, interactively when applicable;Communicates with clients in writing, in-person, and over the telephone;Coordinates and maintains electronic files, caseload data, and policy manuals;Using knowledge of community resources and services, assess client's needs and make appropriate referrals;Determines validity of appeal based on policy; prepares case summaries and testifies at administrative hearings;Conducts preliminary investigations to identify, assess, and refer suspected fraud; determines continued eligibility and calculates over-issuance/overpayment when appropriate;Tracks programs' statistical data on a monthly basis either manually or electronically;Assesses and determines employability based on policy guidelines;Accesses, interprets, and evaluates data from multiple electronic systems for client benefit determination;Responds to and resolves inquiries and complaints which include but are not limited to benefit determination, policy interpretation, and self-sufficiency expectations;Manages multiple, changing priorities while meeting mandated program deadlines;Serves as resource to other staff in application of existing and new policies, procedures, and computer operations;Responds to City-wide emergencies and participates in emergency plan.Additional job functions include:Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery.Secures updated information via state, local, and federal data systems;Participates in employee selection process;Attends training and meetings as required;Assists in training and development as required;Performs administrative support functions as required.Supervisory duties This position has no supervisory duties.Minimum Education and Experience RequiredQualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge- Some knowledge of basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.Skills- Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.Abilities- Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.Education and Experience High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.Additional RequirementsPossession of valid Virginia driver's license and acceptable driving record according to City criteria. Must successfully complete criminal records background check and Child Protective Services Registry check. Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.BenefitsThe City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the City's goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services.Employees in full-time positions are eligible for the following benefits:Medical, dental, and vision coverageRetirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS); the City's contribution is based on a rate determined bi-annually by the VRS Board and employees pay 5% of base pay (pre-tax) towards their VRS benefitLife insurance at no cost to the employeeOptional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc.Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistancePaid Time OffEmployees in hourly and part-time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the positionEmployees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loansAdditional information about City benefits can be found on our website and in the Employment Policies & Procedures