What are the responsibilities and job description for the Benefit Programs Specialist III position at City of Alexandria?
- Contacts vendors for services and ensures payments to allow for the restoration or continuation of services.
- Monitors efficacy, trends of programs, and completes seasonal, quarterly and yearly reports;
- Participates on task forces, strategic planning, mentoring volunteers, students and new employees, teaching classes, and conducting outreach;
- Reviews cases for correctness, identifies significant errors/problems in caseloads and determines if the errors/problems are with the section, unit or with an employee;
- Provides statistical data and other information to support budget requests; interviews clients who provide questionable or fraudulent statements and information and determines program eligibility;
- Documents data and information gathered and compares findings with established guidelines of program eligibility;
- Prepares reports regarding quality control and makes recommendations to the supervisor;
- Explains programs, and the rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients, and conducts follow-up as needed;
- Carries a caseload of clients receiving public assistance that involve complex issues;
- Serves as a resource to staff and the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements;
- Answers questions related to policies and procedures; and
- Maintains records, prepares reports, and submits summaries and information as required.
Working knowledge of practices of public service organizations, economic and basic human behavior, financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits; eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outline by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation. Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software; Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts and medical professionals in person and on the phone; interview, gather information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case record, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, reports and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner un sometimes stressful situations.
Demonstrated experience in Family , use of computer software and completion of required Benefit Programs trainings OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen. The investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings. Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.