Benefit Programs Specialist IV

The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Lynchburg is recruiting for a Sr. Benefit Programs Specialist to handle initial and ongoing functions in all eligibility programs offered by the Department of Human Services. Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned. The City of Lynchburg offers competitive benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, tuition assistance, paid time off and parental leave and retirement plan. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Conducts comprehensive interviews for assistance and determines initial and ongoing eligibility by securing and verifying financial information; Makes visits to client's residence to obtain information when necessary; Completes processing of all assigned benefit programs; Keys information obtained to an online computer system, interactively when applicable; Communicates with clients in writing, in-person, and over the telephone; Coordinates and maintains electronic files, caseload data, and policy manuals; Using knowledge of community resources and services, assess client's needs and make appropriate referrals; Determines validity of appeal based on policy; prepares case summaries and testifies at administrative hearings; Conducts preliminary investigations to identify, assess, and refer suspected fraud; determines continued eligibility and calculates over-issuance/overpayment when appropriate; Tracks program statistics on a monthly basis either manually or electronically; Assesses and determines employability based on policy guidelines; Accesses, interprets, and evaluates data from multiple electronic systems for client benefit determination; Responds to and resolves inquiries and complaints which include but are not limited to benefit determination, policy interpretation, and self-sufficiency expectations; Manages multiple, changing priorities while meeting mandated program deadlines; Serves as resource to other staff in application of existing and new policies, procedures, and computer operations; Responds to City-wide emergencies and participates in emergency plan. Additional Job Functions Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned. When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery. Secures updated information via state, local, and federal data systems; Participates in employee selection process; Attends training and meetings as required; Assists in training and development as required; Performs administrative support functions as required. Qualifications Education and Experience Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four‑year college or university with major work in sociology, psychology, health or a related field is preferred but not required. Equivalent years of experience will be considered. Experience working with the public and determining eligibility for programs. Ability to use various types of computer software and hardware systems. 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. Additional Requirements Possession of valid Virginia's driver's license and acceptable driving record according to City criteria. Must successfully complete criminal records background check and Child Protective Services Registry check. Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position. Benefits The City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the City's goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services. Employees in full‑time positions are eligible for the following benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS); the City’s contribution is based on a rate determined bi‑annually by the VRS Board and employees pay 5% of base pay (pre‑tax) towards their VRS benefit Life insurance at no cost to the employee Optional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc. Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistance Paid Time Off Employees in hourly and part‑time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the position. Employees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loans. Supervisory Duties This position has no supervisory duties. #J-18808-Ljbffr