Benefit Programs Specialist I

Hampton; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sentara Health Plans

ComPsych EAP

Delta Dental Insurance

Vision insurance

FSA accounts

Life insurance

Job summary

The City of Hampton seeks compassionate Benefit Programs Specialists to join the Human Services team across BPS I–IV levels. You will determine eligibility for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid and related programs, perform case management, and provide frontline assistance to residents in need in a dynamic municipal setting.

Successful candidates will have strong customer service, interview skills, and the ability to work with diverse populations; some positions require evening/weekend hours and a valid

Qualifications

• Requires customer service experience and ability to interact with the public.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills and data entry.
• Experience with DHS or public assistance programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility 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.

Skills

Customer service

Interviewing

Case management

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Function

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,s 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.

Benefits Overview

This is a summary of benefits associated with permanent, full-time positions. Benefits associated with other positions can be found with specific job listings. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following one full calendar month of employment in the following benefit plans:

• Sentara Health Plans
• EAP Provider: ComPsych
• OptumRx
• Delta Dental Insurance
• Anthem Blue View Vision
• FSA Reimbursement accounts
• Standard: Accident and Critical Illness
• Chubb Term Life Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Virginia 529
• Mission Square: 457 / Roth IRS / Roth 457 (b) IRA

• Employees begin accruing annual and sick leave immediately.
• Other forms of leave include:
  • Maternity Leave
  • Parental Bonding Leave
  • Care for Sick Parent Leave
  • Birthday Leave
  • Personal day (available every quarter)

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.

The Eleven Paid Holidays Each Year Include

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• Employee's birthday
• The retirement plan is offered through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS1-888-827-3847) and is a defined benefit pension plan. For more information, see the VRS website.
• Group life insurance is offered through the VRS and the carrier is Securian Financial.
• Mission Square Retirement plans 457, Roth IRA, Roth 457 plans are offered through Mission Square Retirement(1-800-669-7400). For more information, visit Mission Square.
• Medical / Dental and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts are offered on a pre-tax basis in order to reduce the amount of tax the employee pays.
• Direct deposit into most banks is a convenient finance feature.
• Employees are covered for Workers' Compensation where appropriate.
• Training and Career Development: The Employee Education Assistance Program (EEAP) encourages employee development through (1) educational programs leading to a degree, (2) skilled craft or trade training leading to a certificate or license and (3) coursework to renew and update skills. Eligibility criteria apply. In addition, the City offers training opportunities in technological, leadership, supervisory, and other areas of government/business knowledge and skill development.
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential and personal counseling service for the employee and their immediate family contact CompPysch at 1-877-327-2872 or see the Guidance Resources Website.