Benefit Programs Specialist IV

Sr. Benefit Programs SpecialistThe 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 DutiesESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.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 on-line 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 programs' statistical data 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 include the following: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;Attends training and meetings as required;Assists in training and development as required;Performs administrative support functions as required.SUPERVISORY DUTIES This position has no supervisory duties.Minimum Education and Experience RequiredQUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university with major work in sociology, psychology, health or related field preferred but not required. Equivalent years of experience will be considered. Experience working with the public and determining eligibility for programs. The 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 abilitiesAdditional RequirementsPossession of valid Virginia 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.BenefitsThe 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 coverageRetirement 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 benefitLife insurance at no cost to the employeeOptional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc.Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistancePaid Time OffEmployees in hourly and part-time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the positionEmployees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loansAdditional information about City benefits can be found on our website and in the Employment Policies & Procedures