[Hiring] Benefit Programs Specialist I @City of Richmond

Role Description

The City of Richmond Department of Social Services is seeking highly qualified candidates with strong customer service skills, effective time management abilities, and exceptional computer skills to fill several vacancies for the position of Benefits Programs Specialist I. The Benefit Programs Specialist I position is an entry level position for employees who will work under close supervision while being trained in determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs.

• 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;
• Evaluates employability of clients and explores potential sources of income;
• Handles changes in client status by updating information on systems and adjusting benefits;
• Refers customers to other resources/services within the City and outside agencies;
• Educates customers on their rights and responsibilities;
• Verifies information through correspondence, telephone and in-person interviews;
• Prepares case narratives/documentation;
• Performs other related duties as required.

City of Richmond Department of Social Services employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to work during inclement weather and times of declared emergencies.

Qualifications

• Some knowledge of basic human behavior;
• Mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems;
• 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;
• 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;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.

Requirements

• 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;
• None required for licensing or certifications.

Preferred Training and Experience

• Bilingual experience is preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations.

If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Jessica McKenzie, Human Resources Manager by email at [email protected].

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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