Benefit Programs Specialist III (Part-Time)

Full Time
Suffolk, VA 23434
Posted
Job description
Description

Under limited supervision, performs case management and team leader/team member duties to determine eligibility of applicants for assistance through multiple benefit programs administered by the City Social Services Department. Work involves interviewing applicants and explaining multiple benefit programs, assisting applicants in completing forms, determining and advising applicants of eligibility for assistance, and providing or facilitating access to human services assistance. Verifies information received from applicants is correct and complete. Detects and reports cases of fraud. Maintains a variety of forms and records. Serves as a mentor to co-workers and exercises limited approval authority over the same. Participates as a team member to improve customer service, operations, resolution of problems, and planning and control of the unit's work.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Essential Job Functions

  • Performs case management duties to determine eligibility of applicants for Tax Relief and Energy Assistance programs. Researches files and records to obtain necessary information for processing. Completes various mathematical calculations. Determines amount and type of assistance children may be eligible for ineligible to receive.
  • Coordinates and supervise Tax Relief and Energy Assistance related eligibility programs.
  • Completes various mathematical calculations. Determines amount and type of assistance clients may be eligible or ineligible to receive.
  • Receives and responds to inquiries providing information on multiple benefit programs. Refers inquiries to appropriate personnel.
  • Performs routine administrative tasks for the department. Composes and types correspondence and forms. Plans and organizes caseload. Establishes priorities. Schedules appointments.
  • Utilizes various computer data entry and file maintenance programs to retrieve files and other information required to determine eligibility for assistance. Performs various eligibility entry duties to comply with State/City program requirements.
  • Researches files and records to obtain data for inclusion in periodic reviews of clients' eligibility status and/or re-evaluation of applicants through appeals process.
  • Identifies instances of fraud. Makes appropriate referrals and contacts.
  • Maintains a variety of confidential records and files.
  • Participates in and supports the self-directed team concept. Meets with team members to maximize communication regarding all aspects of the work setting including customer service, policies, goals, and related objectives. Acts as a Team Leader.
  • Monitors and approves or disapproves case actions recommended by the Financial Services Case Manager I staff level. Reviews individual program cases and assists subordinates in difficult or complicated cases. Interprets policy and advises subordinates as necessary. reviews reports of
  • Ensures that workers receive training on new policies and procedures.Participates in training seminars and conferences with other agency personnel and/or groups outside the agency.
  • Participates in meetings with other agency personnel and/or groups outside of the agency to provide input.
  • Observes the effects of new and established policies and procedures noting suitability for meeting complex needs of applicants and clients. Provides recommendations for changes as needed.
  • Ensures completeness of required action through maintenance of case files. Reviews case management reports to determine status. Researches files and records to obtain data for inclusion in periodic review of clients' eligibility status and/or re-evaluation of application through the appeals process.
  • Maintains data from various sources. Performs research for completion of periodic reports. Organizes data for analysis.
  • Serves as a resource person for agency staff to ensure that new policies and procedures are adopted and established. Liaison for State Department and other outside agencies.Acts as mentor to co-workers.
  • Approves own work and monitors work completed by the Level I and II Case Manager.
  • Serves as the unit resource person in automated systems access/troubleshooting.
  • Performs other related duties as required.
Employee must be willing to work disaster related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in the Human Service field with five to seven years of experience involving social service program work including interviewing and counseling; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Supplemental Information

  • Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the City and or departmental practices as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Financial Services Case Manager I for the Social Services Department.
  • Ability to perform case management and team leader/team member duties acting as a positive team member for the unit.
  • Ability to read a variety of reports, informational and technical documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.Requires the ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.
  • Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
  • Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data, and information.
  • Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs
  • Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with job-related equipment.
  • Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.
  • Ability to determine eligibility of applicants for assistance through multiple benefit programs administered by the City Social Services Department.
  • Ability to properly interview applicants.
  • Ability to utilize technical knowledge of the benefits programs offered by the department and explain benefit programs in layman terms to clients.
  • Ability to understand the application process and is able to assist applicants in completing forms.
  • Ability to utilize technical knowledge to determine and advise applicants of eligibility for assistance.
  • Ability to accurately review and verify information received from applicants for correctness and completion.
  • Ability to detect and report cases of fraud.
  • Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department.
  • Knowledge of laws and ordinances affecting the provision of social services to clients.
  • Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.
  • Knowledge of the methods and techniques for development and administering programs.
  • Knowledge of the principles of supervision, and is able to effectively lead, motivate, and evaluate assigned staff.
  • Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, supervisors, and members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the department.
  • Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner.
  • Ability to use independent judgment and work with little direct supervision as situations warrant.Has the mathematical ability to perform required calculations.
  • Skill in the use of computers and software programs typically utilized in the position.
  • Ability to read, understand, and interpret technical reports and related materials.


Seasonal Employees- No Benefits
Part-time Employees - Sick Leave (See below)
Full Time Employees are eligible for the following benefits;

Retirement (Virginia Retirement System employer) for employees hired on or after 1/1/14 - Hybrid Members
Hybrid plan members contribute 4 percent of creditable compensation to the defined benefit plan and 1 percent to the defined contribution plan each month. Members may voluntarily contribute up to an additional 4 percent in 0.5 percent increments to the defined contribution plan each month. Members can increase or decrease their voluntary contributions on a quarterly basis. With the mandatory and voluntary contributions to the defined contribution component of the plan, members can contribute a maximum of 5 percent with a 3.5 percent match from the employer. Members invest in various investment options that best fit their needs.
Vested after 5 years in the defined benefit part of the plan. Vested in phases based on years in the Defined Contribution part of the Plan. The retirement eligibility for a full or reduced retirement pension in the Hybrid Plan is very detailed. Please contact the Virginia Retirement System or the Human Resources Department for details.

Paid Time Off (PTO)
Yearly earnings
120 Hours (1-59 months), 144 Hours (60-119 months), 168 Hours (120- 179 months), 192 Hours (180 and over)

Sick Leave
Part Time employees earn 4 hours per month Sick leave accrues at the end of the month and may be accrued with no ceiling.

Personal Leave
All regular full time employees are granted 24 hours of personal leave each calendar year. Personal leave must be preapproved and is not cumulative.

Health Insurance
Coverage available for you and your eligible dependents using pre-tax payroll deductions if elected.

Supplemental Insurances
Employees may purchase the following supplemental insurance policies: short term and long term disability, cancer, accident, supplemental hospitalization, and group universal life insurance.

Employer Sponsored Short Term and Long Term Disability
Provides disability coverage for employees work and non-work related disabilities. Work related disabilities are covered starting on day one (1). Non work related disabilities are covered starting on day eight (8), after you have been employed for one year.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Employees may participate in the Health Reimbursement, Dependent Care Reimbursement and Premium Reimbursement Accounts. All deductions are made on a pre-tax basis and will reduce your taxable income.

Life Insurance
The city pays the entire premium for life insurance coverage in the amount of 2 times annual salary for natural death and 4 times annual salary for accidental death.

Optional Life Insurance
Employees have the option of electing additional life insurance coverage in the amount of 1, 2, 3 or 4 times their annual salary. Employees may only purchase optional life insurance on spouses and children if they are enrolled in optional life insurance for themselves.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
12 weeks of job protected leave for leaves approved in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act. Employees receive continuation of health insurance, job protection and consideration for a comparable job when available, or an equivalent job, upon return to work.

Funeral Leave
24 hours of paid leave of absence in case of death in immediate family.

Holidays
Suffolk follows the Virginia State holiday calendar as set by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jury Duty
Time off with pay with difference between jury pay and regular pay or use annual leave and keep check.

457 Deferred Compensation, ROTH IRA, Traditional IRA
Offered through ICMA Retirement Corporation as a way to shelter a portion of your salary from income taxes and save for retirement.

Employee Assistance Program
Offers employees and immediate family members (3) free, confidential counseling sessions related to a broad range of issues such as marital or family conflict, job or personal stress, alcohol or drug abuse, financial or legal worries, etc.

Worker's Compensation
Should an employee have an on the job injury, he/she could be eligible for Workmen's Compensation Benefits, except in cases of willful neglect.

Pay Days
Employees will be paid on the 15th and last working day of each month.

Credit Union
A Suffolk Credit Union is available to employees.

Legal Services
Employees may prepay for access to legal assistance.

Notary Public Services
Services available in the Human Resources Department.

Alternative Work Schedule
For some positions -Offers 4 Alternative Work Schedule options to provide employees with greater control over their personal and professional time, as well as reducing absences.

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