Benefit Programs Specialist IV - Frederick County, Va - Remote

Hiring Range: $63,458.14 to Commensurate With Experience

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Job Description

The Benefit Programs Specialist IV represents the leadership level in the occupational group. Employees perform responsible lead work related to benefit programs, with a strong emphasis on case reviews, quality control, quality assurance, and training functions. Employees are responsible for serving as lead workers and providing guidance, coaching,and training to other Benefit Programs Specialists to ensure accuracy, compliance, and consistency in case determinations.

Employees support supervisory staff by performing tasks such as ensuring staff coverage, monitoring workload balance, training staff, providing backup supervision of staff, and conducting case file reviews for accuracy and policy adherence, and providing quality assurance reports and feedback. Employees provide consultation on complex cases, address case discrepancies identified through QC/QA reviews, and may also work on complex case assignments which require dealing with information that is sensitive and confidential.

Employees work within established policies, procedures, and guidelines with a high degree of independence, seeking supervisory assistance only in unusually complicated and difficult cases/situations.

The Benefit Programs Specialist IV is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Supervisor by the latter’s spending a majority of time in supervisory activities such as handling personnel issues, problems, and evaluating the work of others.

Serves as lead worker and assists supervisor by conducting program training, refresher sessions, and ongoing quality assurance reviews for staff, reviewing case files and providing back-up supervision of staff;

serves as a resource to staff by answering questions related to policies and procedures, suggesting effective methods of case management, and providing consultation regarding complex cases;

Performs comprehensive case reviews to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance; identifies discrepancies; and returns cases to staff for correction and follow-up as part of the agency’s quality improvement process.

prepares case records and reports; works on the most complex and sensitive cases;

interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various benefit programs, assists staff and clients in issues related to initial and continuing determination of eligibility of individuals and families;

collects and compiles statistics from caseloads; provides individual and group training to other eligibility workers; develops, coordinates, and conducts training programs and refresher sessions to address policy changes, common errors, and identified areas for improvement. Assists in training new staff on policy and procedural matters.

Explores alternative sources of income and assistance; responds to inquiries from the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements; ensures that established deadlines are met;

prepares monthly reports and maintains records of activities; including quality review findings, staff training sessions, and corrective action tracking. Coordinates and interacts with other community resources and partners to assist clients in meeting assessed needs.

This position is for full-time telework for candidates with prior experience as a Benefit Program Specialist IV and relevant DSS (Department of Social Services) experience.

This position is full-time remote work within the state of Virginia. Due to operational and payroll requirements, this remote position is open only to candidates who reside and work in the states of Virginia or West Virginia.

Minimum QualificationsComprehensive knowledge of: applicable laws, codes, policies, and procedures including civil and Circuit Court procedures related to public assistance and quality assurance and quality control practices; caseload management best practices; basic human behavior, social problems and resources, and interviewing techniques; social, economic, health, and cultural factors which can serve as barriers to employment; and counseling techniques.

Knowledge of problem solving, motivational theories, leadership skills, and methods for evaluating case accuracy, identifying training needs, and improving staff performance through coaching and instruction.

Comprehensive skills and abilities in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software, as well as navigation of large data bases and web-based interface programs.

Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases; read and interpret public policies and regulations sufficient to make decisions independently in a variety of public assistance programs; and conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews to ensure accuracy and compliance. Demonstrated ability to lead, provide guidance, feedback, and training to other employees in program areas. Advanced oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present findings and develop or deliver training sessions based on QA/QC outcomes.

High School Diploma with 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 abilities.Preferred QualificationsExtensive knowledge of all, or a combination of the State of Virginia’s Benefits programs, to include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and/or other department of social services benefit assistance programs, and the associated quality assurance standards and review processes.

Direct knowledge and experience in management, direction and supervision of others, conducting training and refresher sessions in program areas; performing case reviews for quality assurance and control purposes; human behavior and motivational theory.

Bachelor’s degree in the human services field and human services program experience in a lead or supervisory capacity or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Proficient in Virginia Social Services applications such as MMIS and VaCMS.

Veteran/Disabled Veteran (if all minimums are met)Special RequirementsApplicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check.
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.

This position is covered under Code of Virginia §63.2-1601.1 or §63.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.

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.Special Instructions to ApplicantsFrederick County Department of Social Services only accepts applications submitted on-line through this posting. Mailed, faxed, hand delivered and emailed applications will not be considered. Agency will have posting live for at least a minimum of 5 business days. Applications may be submitted on-line starting Monday, October 27, 2025, until position is filled. This website will provide a confirmation receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application/resume. Please refer to your applicant portal for the status of your application and this position.