Benefit Program Specialist I(Eligibility Worker) (4157)

State of Mississippi; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Mississippi is seeking a Benefit Program Specialist I (Eligibility Worker) in Harrison County, MS to evaluate eligibility for public assistance programs and to audit case processing for accuracy.

This full-time position with the DHS-ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE/TANF department offers a structured state government career, opportunities for growth, and comprehensive benefits; closing date is 9/8/2026.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree with 0–2 years of experience OR an associate degree with 2–3 years of experience.
• Proficiency in computer and case management systems.

Skills

Computer skills

Case management skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Associate degree

Job description

Benefit Program Specialist I(Eligibility Worker) (4157) in 24 - HARRISON COUNTY, MS | GovernmentJobs.com page has loaded. Benefit Program Specialist I(Eligibility Worker) (4157) in 24 - HARRISON COUNTY, MS | GovernmentJobs.com page has loaded.

Job Details

Benefit Program Specialist I(Eligibility Worker) (4157)

This listing closes on 9/8/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada).

Employer

State of Mississippi

Salary

$31,396.00 Annually

Location

24 - HARRISON COUNTY, MS

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

9777-0651-20260901HN

Department

0651 - DHS-ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE/TANF

Opening Date

09/01/2026

Closing Date

9/8/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada)

Agency Minimum Salary $31,396.00 Agency Maximum Salary $31,396.00

What you'll need to be Successful Computer and case management skills.

About the Agency

The Mississippi Department of Human Services is dedicated to serving others while providing a wide range of public assistance programs, social services, and support for children, low-income individuals and families. The agency seeks to empower families so they can become self-sufficient and responsible for their future success. This position is with the Division of Economic Assistance and will be located in HARRISON. If you have any questions, you may contact us at [e-mail].

About the Position

First-level professional position considered an expert in a broad benefit area (e.g. Public Assistance Programs, Unemployment, veteran’s loan eligibility etc.) that evaluates the effectiveness of benefit and eligibility programs by auditing processes and reporting findings to the stakeholder. Employees may be the lead worker within a benefit area and assign and review the work of others. Employees at this level may assist in establishing public assistance programs in response to legislative mandates and recommend policy or policy revision to governing bodies. At this level, some employees may be responsible for overseeing and determining high value claims, benefits, and/or eligibility (e.g. estate management) through consideration of a wide range of legal, medical, occupational, and other factors to develop cases based upon complicated facts. At this level, employees may advocate in an appeals process. May be required to perform case management work.

Preferred Qualifications

Typically requires a bachelor’s degree and 0-2 years of experience OR an associate degree and 2-3 years of experience.

Benefits

Health/Prescription Insurance: Eligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the state’s health and prescription insurance program. Employees may select either single or family coverage with affordable co-payments. More detail can be found at Know Your Benefits.

Wellness Benefits: Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan provides annual benefits for certain services with first-dollar coverage with no deductible.

Life Insurance: All eligible employees receive an actual term life insurance policy upon employment. The policy coverage is two times the employee’s annual salary to a maximum of $100,000. More detail can be found at Life Insurance Choices.

Optional Insurances: Many agencies offer discounted premiums for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts: Many state agencies provide opportunity for employees to participate in pre-tax spending accounts. These accounts allow employees to withhold childcare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses prior to application of state and federal taxes.

Paid Personal Leave and Sick Leave: Full-time employees receive paid time off for personal needs and for sick leave. Leave begins accruing after one month of employment and may be used as it is accrued. Employees earn approximately 18 days of personal leave annually and 12 days of sick leave annually.

Military Leave: In accordance with federal law, all employees serving in the armed forces or the military reserves are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.

Holidays: Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays to enjoy many of our nation’s celebrations with family and friends.

Retirement Programs: The State of Mississippi provides all its employees a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program. Employees become vested in the State’s retirement system after 8 years of employment. Both you and your employing agency contribute toward your retirement. More detailed information regarding the State’s retirement program can be found at http://www.pers.state.ms.us.

Deferred Compensation: State agencies offer several opportunities for their employees to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan. More information can be found at Deferred Compensation.

State Credit Union: All state employees are eligible to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees’ Credit Union. This organization offers state employees special savings and borrowing plans. For more information about this program, call 601.948.8191.

Tuition Reimbursement: Many state agencies provide opportunities for their employees to achieve higher education through tuition reimbursement. Common programs include medical and nursing fields, accounting, and business/administrative fields.

Career Development and Training: The Mississippi State Personnel Board offers several management and administrative certification programs, as well as professional development courses to enhance employee value to the agency. Individual agencies also offer technical training and allow membership in professional organizations to employees in their specific fields of employment.

Promotional Opportunities: Employees who have completed 6 or more months of service are eligible for promotional opportunities within state government employment.

Career Ladders: Many job classifications provide career-ladder opportunities based upon attainment of competencies. These career ladders can increase an individual’s salary, provided funds are available within the agency.

Contact Information

Employer State of Mississippi
Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
Phone [phone]
601-359-1406
Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mississippi