Job description
Arlington County Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a full-time (overstrength) Senior Benefit Programs Specialist to perform lead work that includes providing training to new and veteran staff in policy and procedures for the federal, state and local programs; monitoring/evaluating case accuracy through audits to ensure compliance, timeliness, and guidelines are met; and managing a small caseload of complex clients for eligibility determination. Responsibilities also include tracking, compiling, and managing monthly statistics for state and local reporting requirements; responding to escalated client complaints; and providing back-up supervisory coverage as needed in the absence of the Eligibility Supervisor. Services are provided to families and individuals, many of whom are from diverse cultural backgrounds with limited English fluency.
Specific duties include:
Developing and enacting a training curriculum to meet the needs of new and veteran trainees;- Assisting the Eligibility Supervisor in planning the work of the unit, authorizing cases, clarifying policy, and making final decisions as needed;
- Contributing to staff performance appraisals through audit reports and feedback;
- Evaluating the effectiveness of policies and procedures and making recommendations for changes;
- Staying abreast of federal, state, and local policy and procedural changes and updates;
- Coordinating outreach activities to spread awareness, increase participants, educate on eligibility guidelines, and help improve services;
- Building and maintaining relationships within the County and with external partners;
- Maintaining bureau records and preparing necessary reports; and
- Serving on interview panels for new staff selections.
The successful candidate will have strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate with individuals who have varied backgrounds, experience, language capabilities and needs. Success in this position also requires flexibility to accommodate frequent changes in policy regulations and casework needs, the ability to organize and analyze information, mathematical computation skills, and the ability to work independently and function under pressure.
Arlington County DHS is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to: cultural identity, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.
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Minimum:
Bachelor's degree in a Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, etc.) or other directly related field; and- Considerable experience in eligibility determination, interviewing, social work, casework, or other closely related work.
Substitution: Additional qualifying experience can substitute for the education requirement.
Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:
- Working in the Virginia Public Welfare System applying state regulations and requirements for determining benefit eligibility;
- Managing and coordinating the work of others and/or supervising line staff;
- Determining eligibility for financial assistance, medical assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or other closely related public assistance programs;
- Interpreting and communicating complex policies and procedures;
- Summarizing data using MS Excel; and/or
- Bilingual in English/Spanish.
Background check: A pre-hire background check will be made on all candidates who are selected for employment. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
The candidate selected will be required to complete a State of Virginia Central Registry check.
Applicant must possess, or obtain by the time of appointment, a valid motor vehicle operator's license from the applicant's place of residence or the applicant must have the ability and willingness to use alternative methods of transportation to perform assigned duties and responsibilities at locations other than the primary worksite. If the applicant possesses or acquires a license, the applicant must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent on a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.
Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Eligible for some Telework.
Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Please do not give, "see resume", as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The pay ranges listed are effective June 18, 2023.
The official title of this position is Senior Eligibility Worker.
This announcement may be used to fill immediate and future vacancies within the Public Assistance Bureau.
Please Note: This is an Overstrength position. It is expected to last up to two years, with the possibility of becoming permanent at a later date.
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Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone (703) 228-3500 or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.
The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 703-228-3559 (voice) or email [email protected].
About Arlington County
CEO: Mark Schwartz
Revenue: Unknown / Non-Applicable
Size: 1001 to 5000 Employees
Type: Government
Website: https://www.arlingtonva.us/
Year Founded: 1801