Benefit Programs Specialist I - Energy Assistance - Part Time

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services in Suffolk, VA, is seeking a part-time eligibility assistant for the Energy Assistance Program. The role involves interviewing applicants, explaining benefit programs, helping complete forms, and determining eligibility under supervision.

The candidate will verify information, detect fraud, and maintain varied records. Prior experience in public assistance programs is preferred; the position requires in-office work and a willingness to handle

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; experience in human services eligibility or case management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility for Energy Assistance Program assistance.
• Interview applicants and explain multiple benefit programs; assist with forms.
• Verify information for completeness and accuracy; detect fraud and report it; maintain records.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Open Date: 08/07/2026

Job Close Date: 08/23/2026

Part Time

This is an in-office position.

Job Description

Under general supervision, performs technical duties in determining eligibility of applicants for assistance for the Energy Assistance Program administered by the City Social Services Department. Work involves interviewing applicants and explaining multiple benefit programs; assisting applicants in completing necessary forms; determining and advising applicants of eligibility for assistance.

Employee is also responsible for verifying that information received from applicants is correct and complete, detecting cases of fraud and reporting them, maintaining a variety of records and files. Employee must exercise considerable independent judgement, discretion and initiative in completing assignments. Employee must also exercise considerable tact, courtesy, and discretion in frequent contact with program clients and applicants.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent, work experience in human services program eligibility or case management work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer Energy Assistance Program eligibility determination experience in a local VA DSS agency within the last2 years.
• Prefer Benefit Program eligibility determination experience in a local VA DSS agency 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.
• Employee will not be permitted to work more than 28 hours per week.