Benefit Programs Specialist

Job Title: Benefit Programs Specialist Salary: $39,166.40 Annually Location: Lynchburg, VA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 03536 Department: Human Services Opening Date: February 4, 2026 Closing Date: February 15, 2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Description:

The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Lynchburg is recruiting for a Benefit Programs Specialist to handle initial and ongoing functions in all eligibility programs offered by the Department of Human Services. Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.

Benefits:

The City of Lynchburg offers competitive benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• 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

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Conducts comprehensive interviews for assistance and determines initial and ongoing eligibility by securing and verifying financial information; • Makes visits to clients 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 electronic files, caseload data, and policy manuals; • Using knowledge of community resources and services, assess clients needs and make appropriate referrals; • 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:

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.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university with major work in sociology, psychology, health, or related field preferred but not required.
• Equivalent years of experience will be considered.
• Experience working with the public and determining eligibility for programs.
• The ability to use various types of computer software and hardware systems.
• Possession of valid Virginia drivers license and acceptable driving record according to City 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.

Benefits and Compensation:

The City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the Citys goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services.

Employee Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS); the Citys 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

Additional Information:

Employees in full-time positions are eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• 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 of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loans.

Certifications and Releases:

1. Describe your experience interviewing individuals, family members, and other professionals to gather information required to determine eligibility.
2. This position requires you to work with people from all walks of life. Please describe your experience working with people with diverse backgrounds.
3. 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.
4. This position requires a valid drivers 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
5. If you answered in the above question that you currently possess a Virginia Drivers License, please provide your License Number.
6. (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 human.resources@lynchburgva.gov, or fax to 434-845-4304 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 Drivers License during the past 3 years.