Programs Specialist

Benefit Programs Specialist

The Benefit Programs Specialist performs professional and administrative work involving the determination and redetermination of the eligibility of individuals applying for public assistance under federal, state and local government programs. Work is performed under the general supervision of and reports to a Benefits Program Supervisor or Family Services Supervisor.

The preferred hiring amount is between $24.12 - $30.27 an hour ($50,169.60 - $62,961.60 annually). Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This full-time, non-exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities.

This position is also eligible for the following benefits:

• Choice of retirement plan:
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan:Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
  • Defined Contribution 401a Plan:Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.
• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan

The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the “Benefits” tab within this posting or visit the City’s Employee Benefits webpage.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Conducts interviews with clients to secure and verify data on financial, medical and social. vocational and employment needs and determines eligibility for all applicable financial and/or medical assistance programs (such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid).
• Interprets, applies, and ensures compliance with federal, state and local policies and procedures; accurately and timely evaluates client eligibility for assistance (including emergency situations).
• Determines eligibility or ineligibility for assistance; re-determines eligibility for continuing assistance; determines benefit level; generates payments and notices to applicants.
• Maintains contact with assigned clients to collect and verify information. Reviews information for accuracy, follows up on inconsistencies from client and/or other resources, and detects possible fraud making referrals to the Benefit Programs Investigator.
• Interacts with clients, co-workers, citizens, employers, financial institutions and community and state agencies to gather relevant data, answer questions and provide education on services and programs.
• Completes applications to the Social Security Administration for children in foster care or receiving adoption services and updates documentation as needed.
• Completes case notes, changes in client/case information, and other data entry within departmental software accurately and timely; creates and maintains accurate documentation, reports, and logs following departmental guidelines.
• May visit clients' residence to collect and verify information; evaluates emergency situations.
• Performs work with other agencies such but not limited to the Virginia Employment Commission, State Department of Social Services, Community Actions Agencies.
• Provides and explains other resources…