Benefit Programs Specialist - City of Lynchburg, VA : Job Details

Salary : $38,688.00 - $71,843.20 Annually Location : Lynchburg, VA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 03302 Department: Human Services Opening Date: 11/08/2024 Closing Date: 11/22/2024 11:59 PM Eastern Description The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Lynchburg is recruiting for a Benefit Programs Specialist to coordinate eligibility programs offered by the Department of Social Services. Candidates with experience in Long Term Care, and Social Services Medicaid Programs are preferred. Salary is negotiable based on qualifications and experience. The City of Lynchburg offers competitive benefits including Parental Benefits and has a progression plan. Essential Duties ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned. •Conducts comprehensive interviews for assistance and determines initial and ongoing eligibility by securing and verifying financial information; •Makes visits to client's residence to obtain information when necessary; •Completes processing of all assigned benefit programs; •Keys information obtained to an on-line computer system, interactively when applicable; •Communicates with clients in writing, in-person, and over the telephone; •Coordinates and maintains files, records, and policy manuals; •Provides assessment of client's needs and makes appropriate referrals using knowledge of community resources and services; •Determines validity of appeal based on policy; prepares case summaries and testifies at administrative hearings; •Conducts preliminary investigations to identify, assess, and refer suspected fraud; determines continued eligibility and calculates over-issuance/overpayment when appropriate; •Tracks programs' statistical data on a monthly basis either manually or electronically; •Assesses and determines employability based on policy guidelines; •Accesses, interprets, and evaluates data from multiple electronic systems for client benefit determination; •Responds to and resolves inquiries and complaints which include but are not limited to benefit determination, policy interpretation, and self-sufficiency expectations; •Manages multiple, changing priorities while meeting mandated program deadlines; •Serves as resource to other staff in application of existing and new policies, procedures, and computer operations; •Responds to City-wide emergencies and participates in emergency plan. ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS •Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned. •When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery. •Secures updated information via state, local, and federal data systems; •Participates in employee selection process; •Attends training and meetings as required; •Assists in training and development as required; •Performs administrative support functions as required. SUPERVISORY DUTIES This position has no supervisory duties. Minimum Education and Experience Required QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university with major work in sociology, psychology, health or related field; some experience in working with the public and determining eligibility for programs; the ability to use various types of computer software and hardware; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional Requirements Possession of valid Virginia driver's license and acceptable driving record according to City criteria. View Criteria. Must successfully complete criminal records background check and Child Protective Services Registry check. Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position. The City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the City's goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services.

• Employees in full-time positions are eligible for the following benefits:
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS); the City's contribution is based on a rate determined bi-annually by the VRS Board and employees pay 5% of base pay (pre-tax) towards their VRS benefit
  • Life insurance at no cost to the employee
  • Optional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc.
  • Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistance
  • Paid Time Off

Employees in hourly and part-time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the position

Employees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loans Additional information about City benefits can be found on our and in the 01 Describe your experience interviewing individuals, family members, and other professionals to gather information required to determine eligibility. 02 This position requires you to work with people from all walks of life. Please describe your experience working with people with diverse backgrounds. 03 This position requires you to determine eligibility for programs based on complex State and Federal regulations. Please describe your experience in interpreting complex written policies and procedures. 04 Describe your experience working with Microsoft software, and the VaCMS system including the types of software you typically use and the types of documents you prepare. In addition, please specifically share why you are interested in managing a Long Term Care caseload and previous benefit program employment experience. 05 This position requires a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record history. I certify that I have read the DMV Record Release Notice, and give the City of Lynchburg permission to obtain my Virginia Driving Record.

• Yes
• No
• I do not currently possess a Virginia Driver's License

06 If you answered in the above question that you currently possess a Virginia Driver's License, please provide your License Number. 07 (Current Out-of-State applicants and applicants who have had an Out-of-State Drivers License at any time in the last 3 years): I agree to provide, WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF MY APPLICATION, a copy of my driving record from that state where I am currently licensed or have been licensed within the past 3 years. I will contact Human Resources within 2 weeks if I am unable to obtain my out of state driving record in that time. I understand that my application may not be considered for this position until I submit my out of state driving record.You can email this information to [email protected], or fax to 434-###-#### or mail this information to Human Resources, 900 Church Street, Lynchburg VA 24504. Include the name of the position for which you are applying. If you have a driving record less than 30 days old you can upload as an attachment to your application.

• Agree to provide record within 2 weeks of application date
• Do not agree (I understand I will no longer be considered for this position if I disagree.)
• Not applicable (I have not had an Out-of-State Driver's License during the past 3 years.

Required Question