Benefit Programs Specialist III

Open Date: 10/30/2026 Close Date: 11/15/2026 Job Summary Under limited supervision, performs case management and team leader/team member duties to determine eligibility of applicants for assistance through multiple benefit programs administered by the Social Services Department. Work involves interviewing applicants and explaining multiple benefit programs, assisting applicants in completing forms, determining and advising applicants of eligibility for assistance, and providing or facilitating access to human services assistance. Verifies information received from applicants is correct and complete. Detects and reports cases of fraud. Maintains a variety of forms and records. Serves as a mentor to co-workers and exercises limited approval authority over the same. Participates as a team member to improve customer service, operations, resolution of problems, and planning and control of the unit's work. Reports to the Benefit Programs Supervisor. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. Essential Job Functions Completes various mathematical calculations. Determines amount and type of assistance clients may be eligible or ineligible to receive. Receives and responds to inquiries providing information on multiple benefit programs. Refers inquiries to appropriate personnel. Performs routine administrative tasks for the department. Composes and types correspondence and forms. Plans and organizes caseload. Establishes priorities. Schedules appointments. Utilizes various computer data entry and file maintenance programs to retrieve files and other information required to determine eligibility for assistance. Performs various eligibility entry duties to comply with State/City program requirements. Researches files and records to obtain data for inclusion in periodic reviews of clients' eligibility status and/or re-evaluation of applicants through appeals process. Identifies instances of fraud. Makes appropriate referrals and contacts. Maintains a variety of confidential records and files. Participates in and supports the self-directed team concept. Meets with team members to maximize communication regarding all aspects of the work setting including customer service, policies, goals, and related objectives. Acts as a Team Leader. Monitors and approves or disapproves case actions recommended by the Benefit Programs Manager. Reviews individual program cases and assists subordinates in difficult or complicated cases. Interprets policy and advises subordinates as necessary. reviews reports of Ensures that workers receive training on new policies and procedures. Participates in training seminars and conferences with other agency personnel and/or groups outside the agency. Participates in meetings with other agency personnel and/or groups outside of the agency to provide input. Observes the effects of new and established policies and procedures noting suitability for meeting complex needs of applicants and clients. Provides recommendations for changes as needed. Ensures completeness of required action through maintenance of case files. Reviews case management reports to determine status. Researches files and records to obtain data for inclusion in periodic review of clients' eligibility status and/or re-evaluation of application through the appeals process. Maintains data from various sources. Performs research for completion of periodic reports. Organizes data for analysis. Serves as a resource person for agency staff to ensure that new policies and procedures are adopted and established. Liaison for State Department and other outside agencies. Acts as mentor to co-workers. Approves own work and monitors work completed by the Level I and II Case Manager. Serves as the unit resource person in automated systems access/troubleshooting. Performs other related duties as required. Employee must be willing to work disaster-related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. Minimum Qualifications High School Diploma or equivalent, work experience in human services program eligibility or case management work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in the Human Service field with five to seven years of experience involving social services program work including interviewing and counseling; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the City and or departmental practices as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Benefit Programs Specialist III for the Social Services Department. Ability to perform case management and team leader/team member duties acting as a positive team member for the unit. Ability to read a variety of reports, informational and technical documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice. Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria. Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data, and information. Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs. Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with job-related equipment. Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency. Ability to determine eligibility of applicants for assistance through multiple benefit programs administered by the Social Services Department. Ability to properly interview applicants. Ability to utilize technical knowledge of the benefits programs offered by the department and explain benefit programs in layman terms to clients. Ability to understand the application process and is able to assist applicants in completing forms. Ability to utilize technical knowledge to determine and advise applicants of eligibility for assistance. Ability to accurately review and verify information received from applicants for correctness and completion. Ability to detect and report cases of fraud. Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department. Knowledge of laws and ordinances affecting the provision of social services to clients. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. Knowledge of the methods and techniques for development and administering programs. Knowledge of the principles of supervision, and is able to effectively lead, motivate, and evaluate assigned staff. Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, supervisors, and members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the department. Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner. Ability to use independent judgment and work with little direct supervision as situations warrant. Has the mathematical ability to perform required calculations. Skill in the use of computers and software programs typically utilized in the position. Ability to read, understand, and interpret technical reports and related materials. Performance Evaluation Criteria Quality of Work Quantity of Work Dependability Attendance Initiative and Enthusiasm Judgment Cooperation Relationships Coordination of Work Safety Physical Requirements Must be physically able to operate a variety of office machinery and equipment including a calculator, computer, telephone, etc.; and an automobile. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 5 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree. However, if the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work. Requires the ability coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment. Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as tape measures, scales, cameras, and office equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color. Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress. Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via telephone. FLSA Status Non-Exempt #J-18808-Ljbffr Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service