Senior Benefit Programs Specialist

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Customer Experience: It's Our Business, It's Our Passion.

The Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services is hiring a Senior Benefit Programs Specialist to help individuals and families in Chesterfield County and Colonial Heights by providing services in one or more program areas such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medical Assistance, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). 

What You Do and How You Do It:

As a Senior Benefit Programs Specialist, you will be interviewing people and process applications to get them connected to vital services. You may be asking them personal or difficult questions during what is likely a very challenging time in their lives, and this is where compassion and organization will come into play. Most interviews will be done over the phone, and we are looking for people who can ask the right questions and work out the best solution for our customers. But it doesn't stop there You will assist customers as they sort through the processes required to obtain services, and help explain the eligibility requirements, benefits, and procedures. You will determine eligibility for public assistance programs and will learn local, state, and federal regulations, and stay up to date as things change. You'll refer customers to services across the county and state. You will assist with case monitoring and training for your assigned team. Perform other work as required.

Here's What You Need:

• High school diploma supplemented with additional related work experience in benefit programs OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

We're Looking for Ideal Candidates Who Have:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, education, or closely related field; supplemented with work experience preferred.
• Considerable experience in assigned program area/human services programs preferred.
• Work experience in developing/implementing/monitoring/managing case plans and overseeing caseload management preferred.
• Excellent organizational, time management, oral/written communication, interpersonal, public relations and supervisory skills preferred.
• Knowledge and ability to apply social work principles and Virginia policies in benefit programs.
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional critical thinking and decision-making skills preferred.
• Computer competency required (VDSS automated systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and database applications).
• Ability to interpret policies and regulations related to human services preferred.
• Exceptional ability to collaborate and achieve performance goals preferred.
• Ability to make decisions independently and to schedule and manage high-volume workloads to meet established deadlines preferred.
• Ability to compile reports and analyze data preferred. 
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) candidates are encouraged to apply.

Current valid driver's license and good driving record required. Based on the Virginia DMV point system, record must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months. Out of state driving records must be obtained by applicant and presented at time of interview. Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of interview date.  Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.

A Chesterfield County application is also required and must be submitted online by the deadline.

This position is part of an Emergency Shelter Team during times of natural disaster, reporting to shelter duty as required.

Chesterfield County offers an attractive benefits package. As a local Department of Social Services, Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services may offer incentives, approved through the Virginia Department of Social Services, to candidates hired who possess additional relevant training, skills and experience. Those incentives apply to individuals who possess: a Master's or Bachelor's degree in social work, Masters in Human Services, LCSW, Child Welfare Stipend participants, completion of COVLC new worker training or are Bilingual (Spanish & ASL).

Did you know that working for a local government provides credit towards the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)?

Visit  to view instructions and to complete and submit an application.

Monday - Friday; 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.