The City of Roanoke is seeking a Senior Benefit Program Specialist to process applications for Benefit Programs through interactive interviewing and entering data into a rule-based computer system. The successful applicant will interpret, apply and explain Federal, State and Local policy and regulations; complete timely and accurate eligibility determinations for financial, medical, emergency and food assistance programs by gathering, organizing and analyzing information; manage ongoing caseload which includes frequent customer contact, implementing changes and processing periodic renewals; and identify potential services needed and makes appropriate referrals to other service components. They will also demonstrate excellent teamwork through cooperation and flexibility; assist supervisor with special projects, team responsibilities, and extra duties as assigned; and conduct training for new or veteran staff, as needed. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with major work in sociology or related field; one to three years related experience and/or training in eligibility work; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.
To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.
This is a non-exempt position.
Performs work involving determination and redetermination of the eligibility of individuals for financial and medical assistance.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Conducts interviews of applicants to determine eligibility for assistance
Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance
Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion
Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods
Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential sources of income
Explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability
Refers clients to service worker as the result of overall assessment of situation
Prepares reports and maintains client records
Identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals
Recommends changes to internal agency policies and procedures
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with major work in sociology or related field; one to three years related experience and/or training in benefit programs or equivalent combination of education and experience.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as laws, policies, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, regulations and procedure manuals. Ability to respond effectively to inquiries orally and in writing. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
This is a job description and not an individualized position description. A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.
The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.
The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
