Benefit Programs Specialist I

About the Department

Position Duties

• 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; Participates in Mass Care Center operations during incidents or declared emergencies as needed for the duration of the event. Performing other related duties as required. ** City of Richmond Department of Social Services employees are considered essential personnel may be required to work during inclement weather and times of declared emergencies. **
• 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;
• Participates in Mass Care Center operations during incidents or declared emergencies as needed for the duration of the event.
• Performing other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 PREFERRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Bilingual experience is preferred.
• 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

Benefits

• With over 4,000 employees, the City of Richmond is an "Employer of Choice" among cities throughout the nation. The City strives to hire and retain employees who bring dedication and talent to the workforce. Offering a competitive, cost effective, and quality benefits package is one element of an "Employer of Choice". The City offers a full range of benefit programs from initial hire through retirement. Please visit our Web site for details.

Supplemental Questions