Benefit Programs Specialist I - Energy Assistance - Part Time

New LHRC External Career Site; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Suffolk Department of Social Services is seeking a part-time Eligibility Specialist to determine energy assistance program eligibility. You will interview applicants, explain multiple benefit programs, help complete forms, and advise on eligibility.

Responsibilities include verifying information, detecting fraud, maintaining records, and performing duties under supervision. Must be able to work in-office, not exceed 28 hours weekly, and pass background checks.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and/or relevant experience in eligibility or case management.
• Experience in human services programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants and explain multiple benefit programs.
• Assist applicants in completing required forms.
• Determine and advise on eligibility for energy assistance.
• Verify information for accuracy and maintain records; detect fraud.

Skills

Interviewing applicants

Record keeping

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Open Date: 10/23/2026

Job Close Date: 11/08/2026

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