Benefit Programs Specialist I - Ongoing

Virginia Department of Social Services • Suffolk, VA

18h

About The Position

The City of Suffolk is extending Sign on Bonuses for this position from $2,500 - $,4000 depending on education and experience. Benefits Program Specialist I – Full-Time HIRING SALARY RANGE: $47,110 - $58,218 JOB OPEN DATE : 03/06/2026 JOB CLOSE DATE: 03/22/2026 JOB DESCRIPTION: Under general supervision, performs case management duties to determine eligibility of applicants for assistance through multiple benefit programs administered by the City Social Services Department. Work involves interviewing applicants and explaining multiple benefit programs, assisting applicants in completing forms, determining and advising applicants of eligibility for assistance, and providing or facilitating access to human services assistance. Verifies information received from applicants is correct and complete. Detects and reports cases of fraud. Maintains a variety of forms and records. Participates as a team member to improve customer service, operations, and resolution of problems.

Requirements

• Experience involving social service program work including interviewing and counseling; assisting applicants in completing forms, determining and advising applicants of eligibility for assistance, and providing or facilitating access to human services assistance
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Verifies information received from applicants is correct and complete.
• Detects and reports cases of fraud.
• Maintains a variety of forms and records. Participates as a team member to improve customer service, operations, and resolution of problems.
• High School Diploma or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Nice To Haves

• Prefer Bachelor’s degree in the Human Service field.
• Prefer strong customer-related interviewing skills.
• Prefer experience in a local Virginia DSS agency with, SNAP, TANF, and/or Medicaid, Benefits Program eligibility determination work within the last 2 years.
• Prefer experience processing cases in a local Virginia DSS agency with VACMS/DMIS within the last 2 years.

Responsibilities

• Performs case management duties to determine eligibility of applicants for assistance through multiple benefit programs administered by the City Social Services Department.
• Interviews applicants and explaining multiple benefit programs
• Assists applicants in completing forms
• Determines and advising applicants of eligibility for assistance
• Provides or facilitating access to human services assistance.
• Verifies information received from applicants is correct and complete.
• Detects and reports cases of fraud.
• Maintains a variety of forms and records.
• Participates as a team member to improve customer service, operations, and resolution of problems.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED