About this role
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
Annual Salary Range: $47,110 - $71,945
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $47,110 - $58,218
JOB OPEN DATE: 1/16/2026
JOB CLOSE DATE: 2/1/2026
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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
-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.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
-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.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
-Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen. The investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification, and references, verification of education, credit checks relevant to employment and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
-Employee must be willing to work disaster related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applications are accepted online only through this posting. Only completed employment applications (complete with all periods of employment and unemployment, job duties, dates of employment, and job contact information) will be considered. This website will provide a confirmation receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application. Please refer to your HR Connect account for the status of your application and this position.
Contact Info: [email protected]
Suffolk Department of Social Services - 135 Hall Avenue Suite B - Suffolk, VA 23434
VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.
Other facts
About Virginia Department of Social Services
VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizens have access to the best services and benefits available to them.
Together, we work each day to serve, empower, and create opportunities for brighter futures.
What you'll do
- The Benefit Programs Specialist I performs case management duties to determine eligibility for various assistance programs. This includes interviewing applicants, verifying information, and facilitating access to human services.
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