Benefit Program Specialist

Do you enjoy helping people?  The City of Roanoke is seeking service-focused individuals that are self-starters and able to work independently to assist those residents who receive Medical and Supplemental Nutrition benefits. This position offers opportunities to exercise problem solving skills and growth through meeting unique challenges daily that serve our community. Give meaning to your career and join the City of Roanoke as a Benefit Program Specialist.     High school diploma or general education degree (GED); one to three years related experience and/or training in one or more of the following: customer service, human services, insurance claim process or medical assistance application processing. Associate degree  preferred. Possession of a valid driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Bilingual, Spanish/English speakers encouraged to apply.

 The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.

To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.

SUMMARY  

Performs work involving the determination and re-determination of the eligibility of individuals for multiple benefit programs.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.  

• Interprets, applies and explains Federal, State and Local policy and regulations 
• Evaluate applications for Benefit Programs through entering data into a rule-based computer system 
• Completes timely and accurate eligibility determinations for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), Refugee Cash Assistance, Energy Assistance and Cremation Assistance.  
• In addition to application processing, manage ongoing caseloads which includes frequent customer contact, implementing changes and processing periodic renewals 
• Identifies potential services needed and makes appropriate referrals to other community resources 
• Demonstrates excellent teamwork through cooperation and flexibility 
• Promotes client responsibility with an emphasis on becoming independent by exploring employment opportunities 
• Explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability 
• Prepares reports and maintains client records electronically 
• Identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES  This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

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/or EXPERIENCE  

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) 
• One to three years related experience and/or training in one or more of the following: customer service, human services, interviewing, teaching, accounting, tax preparation, insurance claim process or medical assistance application processing; or equivalent combination of education and experience 
• Associate degree preferred 
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as laws, policies, and regulations 
• Ability to prepare reports and correspondence 
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists 
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, or oral form 
• Ability to use computer systems such as Microsoft Word, Excel and basic office equipment such as printers, fax, copier and multi-line phone system  
• Ability to toggle between multiple computer screens 

LANGUAGE SKILLS  

Ability to read and interpret documents such as laws, policies, and regulations. Ability to prepare reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.  

REASONING ABILITY  

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, or oral form.  

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS  

None.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS   

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT   

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  

This is a job description and not an individualized position description. A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.

Salary : $39,932 - $44,325