Program Specialist III

Job Title

Under general supervision, is responsible for determining eligibility for public assistance programs and services to include securing and verifying case information. Provides oversight of complex cases, coaching and policy clarification to Benefit I & II Programs Specialist. Is also responsible for administrative duties in multiple benefits programs administered through the Department of Social Services. Reports to the Benefit Programs Supervisor.

Has thorough knowledge of local, State and federal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations governing multiple benefit programs. Has thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, rules and regulations of multiple benefit programs, as administered through the Social Services programs. Has thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques and practices and their application to multiple benefit casework problems. Has thorough knowledge of the forms, documents and manuals associated with multiple benefit programs.

Has considerable knowledge of other programs administered through the Social Services Department, and through community human services agencies or volunteer groups. Has considerable knowledge of the social and economic factors in the community. Has considerable knowledge of the principles of supervision, organization and administration. Has general knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of public administration. Has thorough knowledge of the literature, trends and developments in the field of human service administration and in multiple benefit programs.

Is able to plan, direct and coordinate the work of subordinate employees. Is able to use the Virginia Case Management System (VaMCS), SPIDeR, VAMMIS, and other electronic sources. 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 explain rules, regulations and policies of multiple benefit programs in terms understood by applicants and the general public. Is able to exercise considerable tact, courtesy and discretion in contact with program applicants 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 as necessitated by work assignments.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in sociology, human services or a related field, and 3 to 5 years of experience in human services program benefit programs or case management work; and at least one (1) year of supervisor or lead experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience providing the required knowledge, skills and abilities. An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and sex offender registry check.

Individuals in this position cannot be listed as having a founded child abuse or neglect complaint. A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. In the event of a declared emergency in the city of Portsmouth, individuals in this position are required to work shelter duty and may be called on to perform duties as required to provide for the safety and care of the citizens of the community.

Physical Requirements
- Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines, which include computers, calculators, copiers, facsimile machines, etc. Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary Work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for extended periods of time.

Data Conception
- Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things. Interpersonal Communications
- Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving instructions, assignments and/or directions to subordinates or assistants. Language Ability
- Requires the ability to read and interpret a variety of correspondence, reports, records, forms, statistical summaries, policy manuals, etc.…