Benefit Programs Specialist IV

Benefit Programs Specialist IV

Harrisonburg City and County of Rockingham are some of the best places to live in Virginia. Living in the Harrisonburg/Rockingham area offers residents both a rural and suburban feel. The area has lots of restaurants, parks, entertainment and access to James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite Universities, Bridgewater College, Blue Ridge Community College for entertainment activities and continuous learning. Harrisonburg/Rockingham has the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking and the Shenandoah River for water adventures.

The Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District administers a wide variety of programs and services that assist children, youth, adults, and families, individuals with disabilities, and older adults with basic supports and medical needs as well as services to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

All services are delivered under state and federal mandates or under local initiatives that seek to improve family stability, help families achieve safe and affordable housing, and increase self-sufficiency. Our Vision is better health, safety, and well-being for all. Our mission is people helping people triumph over poverty, abuse, and neglect to shape futures for themselves, their families and communities.

Post Conditional Offer Contingencies

Successful candidate will undergo a criminal history, CPS, and DMV check and possess a valid driver's license.

Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District full time employees are eligible for full benefits through Rockingham County, including but not limited to the following as a part of total rewards package!

Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)

Paid Time Off (accumulate 12 hours per month)

Annual Paid Holidays (observe 12 per year)

Group Health Plan

Group Life Insurance

Group Dental Insurance

Group Vision Insurance

Wellness Memberships

Direct Deposit

AFLAC

Exceptional Performance Recognition

Virginia Credit Union Membership

Tele-working available upon successful completion of training and probation (up to 3 days per week)

Salary Range $43,710-$72,098

Title Description: Benefit programs Specialist IV represents the leadership level in the Benefit Programs Specialist group.

Job Description: This is a technical position. The Employee performs responsible lead work related to benefit programs.

The employee is responsible for serving as lead worker and providing training and guidance to other Benefit Programs Specialists. This position serves 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. The employee works 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 reports to the Benefit Programs Supervisor or to the Benefit Programs Manager.

Duties may include but not limited to:

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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.

Considerable knowledge of codes, policies, and procedures related to public assistance programs; basic human behavior; financial assistance programs sufficient to determine benefits eligibility; human services programs and how each interrelates; the strategic planning process; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; interviewing techniques such as data collection, interpretation, and investigation.

Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases, read and interpret public policies and regulations sufficient to making decisions independently in a variety of public assistance programs; speak in public, promoting agency programs; develop brochures and pamphlets, share learned information with co-workers; communicate effective and diplomatically both orally and in writing; interview, gather information, re-evaluate each client's situations and make referrals; assess client's needs through collection and analysis of household financial and non-financial circumstances, use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgement, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing local conclusions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipient's, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations; provide accurate technical assistance and guidance to internal and external customers on policy and procedures; analyze, interpret and apply complex federal stated law and regulations; work successfully independently and as a team member; manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload; and work collaboratively and cooperatively with internal staff as well as external partners on projects.

High School diploma 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bilingual English/Spanish

Proficient in working with automated eligibility systems such as Virginia Case Management System (VaCMS), Application Benefit Delivery Automation Project (ADAPT, Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS).

Special Requirements:

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, OMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.

The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

This position is covered under Code of Virginia §63.2-1601.1 or §63.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.

Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications/resumes for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information provided. Please refer to your Local HR Connect account for the status of your application and this position.

FAXED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION. EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION.

Contact Information

Name: Marie Hopkins

Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io

Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

Address: Harrisonburg Rockingham Social Services District 110 North Mason Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802

About Us

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