Programs Specialist

General Statement of Job

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for determining eligibility for public assistance programs and services to include securing and verifying case information. Reports to the Benefits Programs Supervisor.

• Interviews individuals to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for benefits and public assistance programs; explains scope of multiple benefit programs and determines eligibility for assistance; explains applicant's rights and responsibilities; reads, interprets, and applies policies and procedures; secures and verifies financial, social and employment data from applicant; assists applicants/recipients in completing required forms, as necessary.
• Processes applications by collecting and analyzing data received from customers and various electronic sources. Establishes and maintains electronic case files by utilizing documentary evidence to substantiate case determinations while keeping customers informed of case status. Manages assigned cases by organizing workload, establishing priorities, ensuring that established deadlines are met, and prepares monthly reports.
• Evaluates information received from applicants/recipients and various other sources for consistency, accuracy and completeness; determines employability of client; explores possible sources of income for client, refers customers to resources to become self-sufficient.
• Identifies suspected fraud cases; prepares summaries of facts for fraud and over payment and submits to fraud investigator; represents the agency in hearings and court appeals, responds to state, federal and internal case review inquiries, reviews program and policy manuals, and prepares reports as needed.
• Attends in-service and other training sessions and conferences and may represent the agency on committees or task force groups. Makes service referrals within the department and to other agencies as needed and resolves a variety of customer’s concerns.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Has general knowledge of local, State and federal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations governing multiple benefit programs, as applicable. Has general knowledge of the policies, procedures, rules and regulations of multiple benefit programs as administered through Social Services programs. Has general knowledge of the social and economic factors in the community. Has some knowledge of the forms, documents and manuals associated with multiple benefit programs.

Has some knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of public administration. Is able to use common office machines, including computers and electronic file maintenance programs. Is able to compile technical information from a variety of sources and prepare clear and concise reports. Is able to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in analyzing and applying standards to a variety of situations.

Is able to communicate effectively in oral and written form. Is able to explain rules, regulations and policies of multiple benefit programs in terms understood by applicants/ recipients and the general public. Is able to exercise considerable tact, courtesy and discretion in contact with program applicants/recipients and customers, and the general public. Is able to exercise considerable discretion in handling confidential files.

Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all co-workers and the general public.

Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions".

Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in…