Benefit Programs Specialist I - Energy Assistance - Part Time

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The Suffolk office of the Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service is seeking a part-time, in-office Eligibility Clerk to assess and determine eligibility for the Energy Assistance Program. The role involves interviewing applicants, guiding them through multiple benefit programs, and helping complete required forms.

Responsibilities include verifying information, identifying discrepancies or fraud, maintaining detailed records, and applying independent judgement in day-to-day tasks while

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.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility for the Energy Assistance Program for applicants.
• Interview applicants and explain multiple benefit programs.
• Assist applicants in completing necessary forms.
• Verify that information from applicants is correct and complete.
• Detect cases of fraud and report them, maintaining records and files.
• Exercise considerable independent judgement, discretion and initiative in completing assignments.
• Interact with program clients and applicants with tact, courtesy and discretion.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Open Date: 09/18/2026

Job Close Date: 10/04/2026

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.

Contact Info: [e-mail] - Suffolk DSS, 135 Hall Avenue Suite B, Suffolk, VA 23434