Benefit Programs Specialist II

Benefit Programs Specialist IIThe City of Virginia Beach Department of Human Services is seeking talented Benefit Programs Specialist II's (BPS II) 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.Qualified applicants will be considered for B PSII Intake, Ongoing, Floater, or Special Projects roles within the department.Duties: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 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.Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pmAnd here's the exciting part - the selected candidate will qualify for a $3,000 hiring bonus!$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".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.Minimum Requirements: Requires a Bachelor's degree in human services, business administration, accounting, or a related field and two (2) years of experience as an Eligibility or other Social Services Benefits Worker determining eligibility for SNAP, TANF, Families and Children Medicaid, and/or Aged, Blind, or Disabled Medicaid; OR any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to six (6) years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Alpha I Status: Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City's operational status.Skills: Benefit Systems, Case Management, Eligibility Verification, Reporting and Analysis