Benefit Programs Specialist I

City-of-Hampton,-Va; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

Career development

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

City of Hampton is seeking compassionate Benefit Programs Specialists to determine eligibility and administer public assistance programs such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and Energy Assistance. The role covers multiple program areas, with opportunities for advancement within the BPS Career Development Program.

The position emphasizes direct customer service, accurate benefit processing, and collaboration with team members.

Qualifications

• BPS I requires a high school diploma or GED.
• At least one year of full-time equivalent experience in customer service or public contact with basic computer skills; DHS program experience preferred for advanced levels.
• Must pass CPS and criminal background checks.
• May require a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility and manage cases for programs such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, General Relief, Child Care, Energy Assistance, and Auxiliary Grants.
• Provide direct customer service using interviewing and case management techniques.
• Assist clients with applications, explain rights and responsibilities, and ensure timely benefit processing.
• Maintain detailed electronic case records and respond to reviews by state, federal, and internal offices.
• Identify barriers to self-sufficiency and connect clients with employment services and community resources.
• Conduct preliminary fraud assessments and ensure program integrity.
• Collaborate with team members and escalate complex cases as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Public interaction

Case management

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Could you make a Difference Where It Matters Most?
The City of Hampton is seeking compassionate, detail-oriented professionals to join our Human Services team as Benefit Programs Specialists (BPS I–IV). This posting covers multiple levels within the BPS Career Development Program, with increasing responsibility, independence, and leadership at each level. Specific expectations, qualifications, and advancement criteria are defined in the BPS Career Development Program Criteria. The incumbent reports to a Benefit Programs Supervisor.

The Benefit Programs Specialist position covers multiple areas within the department, including Family & Children Services and programs serving the Aged, Blind, and Disabled population. Please note that the specific assignment and role within the department may vary based on operational needs.

Benefit Programs Specialists play a vital role in supporting Hampton’s most vulnerable residents by determining eligibility and administering critical public assistance programs such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, General Relief, Energy Assistance, and more.

What You’ll Do:

• Determine eligibility and manage cases for programs such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, General Relief, Child Care, Energy Assistance, and Auxiliary Grants
• Provide direct customer service using self-sufficiency interviewing and case management techniques
• Assist clients with applications, explain rights and responsibilities, and ensure timely, accurate benefit processing
• Maintain detailed electronic case records and respond to state, federal, and internal reviews
• Identify barriers to self-sufficiency and connect clients with employment services and community resources
• Conduct preliminary fraud assessments and ensure program integrity
• Collaborate with team members and, at higher levels, serve as a subject matter expert for complex cases and escalations

Minimum Requirements:

• BPS I requires a minimum of a high school diploma or successful completion of a GED.
• A minimum of one (1) year of full-time equivalent experience in customer service, contact with the public, and basic computer skills. Previous human services experience preferred.
• A minimum of one (1) year of DHS program experience is required for BPS II. Specific expectations, qualifications, and advancement criteria for BPS II and higher are defined in the BPS Career Development Program Criteria.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered for this position.
• Must successfully pass a Child Protective Services (CPS) and criminal background check related to this position before any offer of employment or promotion.
• May be required to possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record based on the City of Hampton’s criteria.

Additional Requirements:

• Must achieve a passing score, per agency guidelines, on policy training and tests in all major program areas before completion of the one-year probationary period.
• Requires excellent customer service skills with the demonstrated ability to foster and maintain positive, effective working relationships with colleagues, partner agencies, and the public.
• Requires effective communication with internal and external customers.
• May be required to work non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Extensive contact with the general public, related agencies, community organizations, agency staff, and other City departments.
• The incumbent will be considered essential personnel during City emergencies or at the direction of the City Manager, which may include long hours and unusual schedules.

Join the City of Hampton team! As a proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer and a designated Military Spouse-Friendly Employer, we are committed to supporting veterans and military spouses. We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique skills and experiences that military families bring to our team. Come work for Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future! We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement, and other benefits.