Benefit Programs Specialist chez City of Lynchburg, VA

About the Department

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL 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
• 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.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES
This position has no supervisory duties.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
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.

Other Qualifications

Possession of valid Virginia driver's license and acceptable driving record according to City criteria. View Driving 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.