Benefit Programs Specialist III - TANF/VIEW

• Conducts individual and group assessments and reassessments of program participants to determine participants' employability.
• Develops plan of participation to record goals and objectives toward employment for program participant; may redesign plans as program participants' status or needs change, or as otherwise necessary; monitors participants' job search effort; assigns participants to various education and training facets of program.
• Contacts private and public sector employers and others to refer and place eligible program participants in non-subsidized employment.
• Notifies participants of adverse action to be taken against Social Services benefits in cases of failure to comply with program rules, regulations and/or requirements; initiates sanction procedures in such cases; notifies appropriate departmental personnel of changes in participants' households affecting eligibility or participation in program. Identifies instances of fraud and makes appropriate referrals and contacts
• Completes various mathematical calculations. Determines amount and type of assistance clients may be eligible or ineligible to receive.
• Receives and responds to inquiries providing information on multiple benefit programs. Refers inquiries to appropriate personnel.
• Performs routine administrative tasks for the department. Composes and types correspondence and forms. Plans and organizes caseload. Establishes priorities. Schedules appointments.
• Utilizes various computer data entry and file maintenance programs to retrieve files and other information required to determine eligibility for assistance. Performs various eligibility entry duties to comply with State/City program requirements.
• Researches files and records to obtain data for inclusion in periodic reviews of clients' eligibility status and/or re-evaluation of applicants through appeals process.
• Identifies instances of fraud. Makes appropriate referrals and contacts.
• Maintains a variety of confidential records and files.
• Participates in and supports the self-directed team concept. Meets with team members to maximize communication regarding all aspects of the work setting including customer service, policies, goals, and related objectives. Acts as a Team Leader.
• Monitors and approves or disapproves case actions recommended by the Benefit Programs Manager. Reviews individual program cases and assists subordinates in difficult or complicated cases. Interprets policy and advises subordinates as necessary. reviews reports of
• Ensures that workers receive training on new policies and procedures. Participates in training seminars and conferences with other agency personnel and/or groups outside the agency.
• Participates in meetings with other agency personnel and/or groups outside of the agency to provide input.
• Observes the effects of new and established policies and procedures noting suitability for meeting complex needs of applicants and clients. Provides recommendations for changes as needed.
• Ensures completeness of required action through maintenance of case files. Reviews case management reports to determine status. Researches files and records to obtain data for inclusion in periodic review of clients' eligibility status and/or re-evaluation of application through the appeals process.
• Maintains data from various sources. Performs research for completion of periodic reports. Organizes data for analysis.
• Serves as a resource person for agency staff to ensure that new policies and procedures are adopted and established. Liaison for State Department and other outside agencies. Acts as mentor to co-workers.
• Approves own work and monitors work completed by the Level I and II Case Manager.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

-High School Diploma or equivalent, work experience in human services program eligibility or case management work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the City and or departmental practices as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Benefit Programs Specialist III for the Social Services Department.
• Ability to perform case management and team leader/team member duties acting as a positive team member for the unit.
• Ability to read a variety of reports, informational and technical documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.
• Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
• Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data, and information.
• Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.
• Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with job-related equipment.
• Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.
• Ability to determine eligibility of applicants for assistance through multiple benefit programs administered by the Social Services Department.
• Ability to properly interview applicants.
• Ability to utilize technical knowledge of the benefits programs offered by the department and explain benefit programs in layman terms to clients.
• Ability to understand the application process and is able to assist applicants in completing forms.
• Ability to utilize technical knowledge to determine and advise applicants of eligibility for assistance.
• Ability to accurately review and verify information received from applicants for correctness and completion.
• Ability to detect and report cases of fraud.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department.
• Knowledge of laws and ordinances affecting the provision of social services to clients.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques for development and administering programs.
• Knowledge of the principles of supervision, and is able to effectively lead, motivate, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, supervisors, and members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the department.
• Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner.
• Ability to use independent judgment and work with little direct supervision as situations warrant.Has the mathematical ability to perform required calculations.
• Skill in the use of computers and software programs typically utilized in the position.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret technical reports and related materials.

• Quality of Work
• Quantity of Work
• Dependability
• Attendance
• Initiative and Enthusiasm
• Judgment
• Cooperation
• Relationships
• Coordination of Work
• Safety