Benefit Programs Specialist III

The City of Virginia Beach Department of Human Services is seeking talented Benefits Program Specialist III's to work in their Benefits Program.  Candidates will perform tasks related to the determination of eligibility for eligibility benefit programs; implement effective caseload management techniques; assess the customer's need for services; participate in staff and program development; and serve as a lead worker and trainer within a unit. 

Duties:

• Conduct on-site case reviews for benefit programs staff and team to measure, evaluate and assure quality performance and compliance of TANF, SNAP and/or Medicaid for applicable state and federal rules and regulations.  
• Review cases for correctness, identify significant errors/problems in caseloads and determine if the errors/problem are within the section, unit or with an employee. 
• Provide consultation, technical assistance and support on program policies, regulations and procedures. 
• Serve as a team member facilitating Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Management Evaluation Reviews (ME), Regional Reviews and Audits. 
• Conduct research and investigate problematic areas for training, clarification, error solutions and preparation in advance of scheduled regional and state reviews and audits.
• Document data and information gathered and compare findings with established guidelines of the eligibility programs; provide refresher training based on case review findings.
• Serve as a resource to the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements. 
• Conduct entrance and exit conferences regarding upcoming case reviews. 
• May supervise lower-level Benefit Programs Specialists.
• Assist with planning and carrying out administrative functions such as establishing program goals and outcomes; administration and grading of policy tests based on Benefit
• Program areas; and recruitment and selection of new benefit specialist team staff.
• Provide coverage as needed in a program manager or team lead’s absence.
• Develop curricula based on state and federal laws, regulatory policies and procedures, best practices and organizational development.
• Develop training materials to include standard operating procedures, user guides, policy related assignments, and testing materials; ensure training material are designed and
• delivered utilizing effective instructional practices for adult learners.
• Conduct training sessions with new specialists and refresher training for existing staff as well as other mandated/required training in support of leadership and program.
• Assess staff training and development needs; conducts necessary research to develop and teach appropriate training programs; evaluates the effectiveness of training programs.
• Serve as a resource to the Benefit Programs Division on eligibility requirements, policy related questions, and troubleshooting with VaCMS system issues in order to resolve discrepancies internally before escalating to the Eastern Regional Consultants or State staff for resolution.
• Work collaboratively with external resources to address error prone Benefit Program areas as determined through case reviews, Quality Assurance, Quality Control and
• Management Evaluation reviews and any corrective action plans as a result of these case reviews.
• Present training information monthly at all staff meetings and attend weekly cadence meetings to provide supervisors trainee progress and training updates.
• Monitor programs and workers to ensure established standards for quality and effectively serve as a lead worker.
• Perform other job duties requiring skills, knowledge and physical requirements as demanded by those duties described or less. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on then current workloads and department needs.

A $3,000 hiring bonus is being offered for this position.  Hiring bonuses shall only be for new hires of original employment or reemployment as defined in Human Resources Policy No. 5.0.  

• $500 will be awarded in the first paycheck.
• $1,000 will be awarded upon completion of the six (6) month interim performance evaluation with an overall rating of “Meets Expectations”.
• $1,500 will be awarded upon completion of the employee’s one (1) year probationary period and a performance evaluation with an overall rating of “Meets Expectations”. 

The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes heath, dental and life insurances, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and Paid Time-Off.