Benefit Programs Specialist III - BPW III

This job announcement is a courtesy job post for the Chesapeake County local Social Services agency. It is not a position of the Virginia Department of Social Services or any other Commonwealth of Virginia agency. Local employment opportunities may also be available through the local agency’s city or county website/job board(s).

The successful candidate will interview and communicate in a manner to accurately assess the customer’s needs and eligibility services; apply knowledge, skills and training received to make sound decisions/recommendations regarding the customer’s circumstances. This includes working independently and utilizing available tools such as online program manuals, Outlook, and all computer systems associated with determining eligibility.

ESSENTIAL TASKS
The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class.
Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary.
Serves as a lead worker and supports the supervisor by conducting program training for staff and reviewing case files for accuracy and completeness.
Monitors casework for accuracy and compliance; assists staff in evaluating complex or difficult eligibility cases.
Screens incoming cases from intake and other units to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Carries a caseload of clients receiving public assistance that involve complex issues
Interviews applicants and clients to determine eligibility by securing and verifying social, financial, and medical information.
Analyzes and documents case data to determine the most beneficial assistance plan; grants or denies benefits and notifies clients of determinations.
Supervises staff by providing training, assigning and evaluating work, mentoring, counseling, and offering policy guidance.
Investigates suspected fraud referrals received from staff, community sources, and computer data matches.
Collects and analyzes evidence to support fraud investigations, conducts interviews with suspects and witnesses, and establishes intent.
Testifies in court as needed; calculates fraud claims and initiates collections.
Performs general administrative tasks such as correspondence, data entry, filing, faxing, phone calls, and photocopying.
Compiles and maintains data for routine and special reports documenting program activities.
Participates in staff meetings to share information and attends supervisory training to enhance professional skills.

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure, for a full list of benefits and employee perks.
Required Qualifications
VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Requires a high school diploma or GED/HSE and completion of government assistant programs.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT: In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this position requires a minimum of five years of related, full-time equivalent experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES: Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards. Requires certification in Phase Policy Training for TANF, Medicaid, and SNAP benefits.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-terms department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of SNAP, TANF, Medicaid
Prefer working knowledge on processing Applications requesting Federal programs