Senior Benefits Worker

Job Description:

Senior Benefits Worker

Description

Senior Eligibility Worker/Senior Benefits Worker

Department of Social Services

12 Months, Full-Time

Non-exempt, Pay Grade 31

VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

*** PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING : THE LISTING ON THE ALBEMARLE COUNTY WEBSITE/ADP IS FOR ADVERTISING PURPOSES ONLY. APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH THE VA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES WEBSITE FOUND HERE:

https://evqk.fa.us8.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_2001/job/5181?location=Charlottesville%2C+Albemarle%2C++VA%2C++United+States&locationId=300000004217938&locationLevel=city&mode=location&radius=25&radiusUnit=MI

Job Summary/ Objective:

Performs responsible, equitable, professional, and technical work involving management of a benefits program caseload, respecting the broader needs of individual clients and their families. Performs specialized
duties of unusual difficulty in eligibility work in an inclusive team environment.; responsible for serving as lead worker and providing training, mentoring and guidance to other Benefit Programs Specialists. Employees
work within established policies, procedures and guidelines with a high degree of independence, seeking supervisory assistance only in unusually complicated and difficult cases/situations. Performs as a role model to the values of the County and department, and inspires others to embrace the values, vision and goals of the County and department. Articulates, supports, and applies the high-performance practices (continual quality and service improvements, participatory involvement, teamwork, data collection and analysis) of the department. Influences others by example and by persuasion to commit to County, Department, and unit goals.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Essential Functions:

• Interviews applicants/recipients, adapting techniques to meet the needs/abilities of the client;
• Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods; processes applications for benefit programs such as, but not limited to SNAP, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Energy, General Relief, Auxiliary Grants, Refugee Cash and/or Medical Assistance;
• Compiles and analyzes information and policy to determine and redetermine ongoing eligibility for financial, medical and or other governmental programs; computes income and resource eligibility timely, accurately and completely based on complex state and federal guidelines; ensures clients receive maximum eligible benefits;
• Explains available benefit programs, rights and responsibilities, other agency services and community resources identifies social problems and makes referrals to social workers as needed;
• Researches, interprets, and applies mandated programmatic policy and procedures based on state and federal guidelines in the administration of a benefits caseload which may be generic or specialized;
• Ensures integrity in benefits delivery and caseload management by maintaining records according to established guidelines and identifies errors/potential fraud and makes appropriate referrals; evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy;
• Responds to appeal requests, prepares appeal summaries and all supporting documentation, and participates in appeal hearings;
• Attends and participates in unit and agency meetings by sharing knowledge, experiences, and information; participates in agency workgroups and/or teams; attends and participates in ongoing training, learning, and growth opportunities;
• Monitors case records for accurate computation and policy application.
• Serves as lead worker and assists supervisor by conducting program training for staff, reviewing case files and providing back-up supervision of staff.
• Coordinates workflow and case management activities of eligibility workers and DSS Specialists; serves as a resource to staff by answering questions related to policies and procedures, suggesting effective methods of case management, and providing consultation regarding complex cases.
• Provides Supervisor with information about unit's performance, and provides input into job performance evaluations.
• Performs duties with less supervision and other related duties as assigned.

Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of interviewing and time management skills and principles and practices of public social service organizations
• Knowledge of current social, economic and health problems and of human behavior and social functioning.
• Knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems;
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
• Ability to analyze information and policy and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps;
• Ability to access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate,
• Ability to work effectively within and around teams.
• Skills in operating a computer and software.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, management and the public consistent with the agency’s Quality Caseload Standards.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a team environment.
• Ability to analyze facts and policy accurately.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to organize/manage own work schedule.
• Ability to plan, manage, coordinate, and prioritize multiple and varied activities and projects.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience in benefits programs.
• Completion of required Benefit Programs training OR any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Workers in this position are required to drive and they must meet the eligibility requirements of the County’s safe driver policy.

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications:

• Strongly preferred, but not required:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • At least 2 years of experience as an Eligibility Worker
  • Experience working in the automated systems for Benefit Programs in Virginia
  • Experience working effectively and successfully within a team
  • Experience working with populations with limited English proficiency

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Administers to the public; works typically in an office setting and/or telework environment.
• May involve frequent walking or standing, and light lifting.
• Daily contact with clients, and the community.
• Regular operation of office equipment and occasional operation of vehicles.

Remote Work:

This position is eligible for remote work. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Salary Range:

The hiring range for this position is $30.01 - $33,17 per hour (approx. $62,416 - $68,986 per year). Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA non-exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Position open until Friday, December 26, 2025.

Virginia Values Veterans:

Albemarle County is a Certified V3 organization.

EOE/EEO:

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.