COUNTY OF LOUISA - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES BENEFIT PROGRAMS SPECIALIST/ LEAD

Summary:

Reporting directly to the Benefit Programs Manager, the Benefit Programs Specialist/Lead conducts initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for persons applying for various public assistance programs and provides quality control by examining cases completed by other eligibility workers for accuracy and uniformity.

Essential Functions:

Performs professional and administrative duties in accordance with well established guidelines, standards and procedures for multiple public assistance programs. This position serves as the lead worker, providing guidance and support to other workers and to the supervisor by ensuring staff coverage, reviewing cases and providing back-up supervision as needed. Contacts vendors for services and ensures payments to allow for the restoration or continuation of services Monitors efficacy, trends of programs, and completes seasonal, quarterly and yearly reports Reviews cases for correctness, identifies significant errors/problems in caseloads and determines if the errors/problems are with the section, unit or with an employee Provides statistical data and other information to support budget requests; interviews clients who provide questionable or fraudulent statements and information and determines program eligibility Documents data and information gathered and compares findings with the established guidelines of program eligibility Prepares reports regarding quality control and makes recommendations to the supervisor Explains programs, and the rights and responsibilities of applicants and recipients, and conducts follow-up as needed Carries a caseload of clients receiving public assistance that involve complex issues Maintains records, prepares reports, and submits summaries and information as required Mentoring volunteers, students and new employees, teaching classes and conducting outreach 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

Additional Functions:

Participates in community partnerships when DHS representatives are requested, if needed Refers clients to services workers, or other services/resources, both in and outside of the Human Service Agency based on the overall assessment of the situation Staff the emergency shelter in the event of a local disaster

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of: applicable laws, codes, policies and procedures related to public assistance programs Ability to train staff and to speak in public, sharing learned information with co-workers. Knowledge of best practices office procedures, English, grammar, punctuation and arithmetic. Skilled in typing with the ability to read, spell, proofread, file alphabetically, numerically and chronologically. Must have a proven ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality. Must be able to demonstrate sound organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills, effective listening skills and the ability to understand and follow directions. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, along with excellent customer service skills, to deal with a broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals both in person and over the telephone. The ability to exercise sound professional and personal judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness and make independent decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures when problem solving. Must be able to establish and maintain effective successful, professional working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful and sensitive situations to resolve issues tactfully and diplomatically. Computer skills also required to operate a personal computer and the associated office and agency software and technology to establish and maintain accurate and complete case records, and to access, manipulate and verify data. Understanding of public assistance programs sufficient to accurately determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits, along with the eligibility requirements for human service assistance as outlined by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies. Demonstrated analytical ability to interview, gather information, in order to analyze the information to evaluate each client's situation, and determine and identify missing information and gaps with accuracy. Mathematical skills required to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems and make mathematical computations with accuracy. Ability to accurately create and maintain complex records and prepare reports from such records along with the ability to compose and prepare effective correspondence. A High School Diploma or GED, along with a minimum of 2 years of related work experience and additional training OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position required. Completion of training in SNAP, Families and Children's Medicaid and TANF along with direct experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and documented completion of required Benefit Programs training strongly preferred.

• Work is typically performed in an indoor setting. The department is currently open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. This position will require a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the Department and the County to include evening, weekend and occasional holiday hours.
• Light to moderate work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• : No environmental hazards indicated for this position. .
• Must be willing to submit to a criminal background and Motor Vehicles check.
• Must consent to drug testing consistent with Louisa County's Drug-Free Workplace Policy.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License.
• Must maintain a driving record consistent with insurance industry standards in order to drive a County vehicle.
• Twelve (12) month probationary period.

Disclaimer:

This information is of a general nature, and is not intended to be a comprehensive description of each and every duty. This position is also responsible for performing other duties as assigned. EOE June, 2018

Pay:

$54,000.00 - $88,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Military leave Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person