Benefit Programs Specialist IV

Benefit Programs Specialist IV

This job announcement is a courtesy job post for the Winchester Department of Social Services. 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).

This is the senior-level leadership position in the Benefit Programs Specialist classification. It handles the most complex cases in SNAP, Medicaid, and/or specialty programs. The role operates with a high degree of independence, seeking supervisory input only in unusually difficult situations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Completes required State and in-house training on SNAP, Medicaid, and other government programs
• Registers applications for assistance, executes system searches and schedules initial interviews
• Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and makes eligibility determinations
• Maintains a caseload and provides timely customer service, in accordance with state and local policy
• Explains benefit programs and provides information and referral services to internal and external resources
• Engages client in a positive working relationship
• Serves as a mentor to new eligibility workers
• Works on the most complex and sensitive cases
• Serves in a leadership capacity and assists Benefit Programs Supervisors with case readings, staff training, and by providing back-up supervision of staff
• Interprets benefits policies and procedures to assist staff and clients with issues relating to initial and ongoing eligibility determination
• Provides training to eligibility workers on an individual or group basis
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

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.

Preferred:

• An Associates degree in social sciences or a related field is preferred
• Valid driver's license
• Bilingual Spanish- English is preferred
• Willing to participate in mandatory state training including Medicaid and SNAP

The City of Winchester is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other classification protected by law.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer