Benefit Programs Specialist I

The City of Richmond Department of Social Services is seeking highly qualified candidates with strong customer service skills, effective time management abilities, and exceptional computer skills to fill several vacancies for the position of Benefits Programs Specialist I. The Benefit Programs Specialist I position is an entry level position for employees who will work under close supervision while being trained in determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs.

• Conducts interviews of persons to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determines
  their continuing eligibility;
• Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines
  reasons and need for assistance;
• Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; explains client
  responsibilities, rights and program availability;
• Evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated
  substantiates its accuracy;
• Computes assistance plans;
  Determines the need for and amount of allowances for special circumstance
  items;
• Evaluates such social factors as education, work experience, and levels of
  social functioning; and
• Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income.
• Handle changes in client status by updating information on systems and adjusting benefits;
• Referring customers to other resources/services within the City and outside agencies;
• Educating customers on their rights and responsibilities;
• Verifying information through correspondence, telephone and in-person interviews;
• Preparing case narratives/documentation;
• Performing other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Some knowledge of: basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.

Demonstrated skills in Microsoft Office Suite; social perceptiveness; conflict resolution; record keeping; basic mathematical computation; Reading comprehension; effective oral and written communication and customer service.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• None required

• Bilingual experience is preferred.

Salary : $49,858 - $70,637