Benefit Programs Specialist IV

Job TitleSenior-Level Leadership Position in the Benefit Programs Specialist ClassificationJob DescriptionThis 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 programsRegisters applications for assistance, executes system searches and schedules initial interviewsInterviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and makes eligibility determinationsMaintains a caseload and provides timely customer service, in accordance with state and local policyExplains benefit programs and provides information and referral services to internal and external resourcesEngages client in a positive working relationshipServes as a mentor to new eligibility workersWorks on the most complex and sensitive casesServes in a leadership capacity and assists Benefit Programs Supervisors with case readings, staff training, and by providing back-up supervision of staffInterprets benefits policies and procedures to assist staff and clients with issues relating to initial and ongoing eligibility determinationProvides training to eligibility workers on an individual or group basisOther duties as assignedRequirements: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.PreferredAn Associates degree in social sciences or a related field is preferredValid driver's licenseBilingual Spanish- English is preferredWilling to participate in mandatory state training including Medicaid and SNAPThe 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.About UsVDSS 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's most vulnerable citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.