Programs Specialist IV at Virginia Department of Social Services

This is a technical position. The incumbent performs responsible lead work related to benefit programs. The employee is responsible for serving as lead worker and providing training and guidance to other Benefit Programs Specialists.

This position serves as support for the supervisor by performing tasks such as ensuring staff coverage, workload balance, training staff, reviewing case files, and providing back-up supervision of staff. The employee works within established policies, procedures and guidelines with a high degree of independence, seeking supervisory assistance only in unusually complicated and difficult cases/situations.

The Benefit Programs Specialist IV reports to the Benefit Programs Supervisor and/or to the Assistant Director. Assists in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required.

The successful candidate will have comprehensive knowledge of: applicable laws, codes, policies, and procedures, including civil and Circuit Court procedures; basic human behavior, social problems and resources, and interviewing techniques; social, economic, health, and cultural factors which can serve as barriers to employment; and counseling techniques.

The candidate will also demonstrate skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software, and have the ability to: manage complex cases; read and interpret public policies and regulations sufficient to make decisions independently in a variety of public assistance program; train staff; speak in public, promoting agency programs; develop brochures and pamphlets and use audio-visual equipment;

share learned information with co-workers; communicate effectively and diplomatically both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals.

The candidate will be able to interview, gather information, re-evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals; determine a client’s ownership share in situations where multi-ownership exists; assess client’s needs through collection and analysis of employment history and pertinent personal, family and cultural information; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, reports, and manipulate data;

maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma supplemented with experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefit Programs training, along with experience in a leadership role OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

The candidate must pass the agency’s background checks, which may include a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education, credit checks, and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

All employees must have a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Driving record must meet agency requirements. Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Applications, resumes, and references for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. A resume must be provided with the application.