Benefits Coordinator

• Title: Benefits Coordinator
• State Role
  
  Title:
  
  Direct Service Associate III
• Hiring Range: starting at $49,875 (commensurate based on experience)
• Pay Band: 3
• Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop
• Location: Western State Hospital
• Agency Website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./
• Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Western State Hospital, part of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), has been a leader in psychiatric treatment since 1828. WSH is a 302‑bed Joint Commission/CMS‑accredited psychiatric facility located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Our hospital serves adults with serious mental health needs and is nationally recognized for its Psychosocial Rehabilitation “Learning” programs.

WSH provides a modern clinical setting and a therapeutic environment for patients, supported by highly qualified staff. Employees also enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Shenandoah Valley, with nearby cities such as Charlottesville and Harrisonburg offering dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities, making Staunton an attractive place to live and work.

Western State Hospital is seeking a full‑time Benefits Coordinator for the Social Work Department to evaluate patients' needs and eligibility for financial benefits; assist patients with benefits applications; and educate staff and patients regarding entitlement programs.

• Review the status of incoming patients to determine eligibility for SSDI and SSI benefits.
• Receive referrals for patients needing Social Security benefits.
• Promptly notify SSA of patients whose benefits should be suspended because of specific legal codes.
• Maintain information files and Social Work Money Sheets about entitlements for WSH patients.
• Investigate questions from SSA staff, WSH social workers, DDS determiners, and Reimbursement Division representatives to obtain information necessary to complete assessments, reinstatements, applications, and appeals.
• Provide education to staff, patients, families, and CSB staff regarding financial entitlements per individual request, through PSR groups, and in team meetings.
• Complete 10 hours of continuing education yearly (CME’s or other formal training, workshops).

• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Sick time
• Family/personal time
• Retirement with cash match

• Associate’s degree in a social services/human services field.
• Professional work experience with adults with serious mental illness and/or other disabilities.
• Work experience in determining clients’ eligibility for federal benefits and other government financial assistance and assisting clients with the processes necessary to access these financial services.

• A bachelor’s degree.
• Experience with the use of Electronic Health Record.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and other computer programs to determine eligibility.
• Veteran and veteran spouse.
• Bilingual (any language).

Applications and résumés for this position are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System only. Interview decisions will be based solely on the information provided in your electronic application and/or résumé.

All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre‑employment drug screening.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
* There shall be no retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy.

DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preference to qualified veterans and service members. We strongly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply to the state application and respond accordingly.

Name:
Samantha Leep
Phone:
Email: samantha.leepginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022 and February 29, 2024 can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.