Benefits Program Worker III (Social Services)

City of Chesapeake Virginia; Chesapeake (VA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chesapeake’s Human Services agency seeks a Benefits Program Worker III to determine TANF, SNAP, ABD and Medicaid eligibility, applying policies to client cases. VaCMS experience and supervisory duties may be involved.

The successful candidate will interview clients, analyze data to determine the best assistance plan, and maintain case documentation. The role requires strong policy knowledge and ability to work with diverse programs.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED / HSE and completion of government assistant programs.
• Minimum of five years of related, full-time equivalent experience.
• Requires valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards.
• Requires certification in Phase Policy Training for TANF , Medicaid, and SNAP benefits.

Responsibilities

• Interview and determine eligibility by securing and verifying social, financial, and medical information.
• Analyze and document case data to determine the most beneficial assistance plan; grant or deny benefits and notify clients of determinations.
• Supervise staff by providing training, assigning and evaluating work, mentoring, counseling, and offering policy guidance.
• Investigate suspected fraud referrals and collect and analyze evidence to support fraud investigations.
• Perform general administrative tasks and compile data for routine and special reports.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Benefits Program Worker III (Social Services)

Working Title of Vacant Position Benefits Program Worker III (Social Services)

Job Type

Job Type Full Time

Posting Type

Posting Type Public

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 2

Department

Department HUMAN SVCS

Division

Division HS-SS ELIGIBILITY SVCS

Requisition Number

Requisition Number 2026253

Number of hours worked per week

Number of hours worked per week 40

Work Schedule

Monday- Friday; 8am-5pm

Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-terms department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Work Site Location

Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA (100 Outlaw Street)

Position Driving Requirement

Position Driving Requirement O - Occasional

Pay Grade

Pay Grade GE11

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Semi-Monthly

Advertised Salary

$55,854/ annually

Actual starting salary based on qualifications and experience

Job Description

Do you have experience determining TANF , SNAP , ABD and Medicaid eligibility? Are you a whiz at comprehending and applying policies and procedures for benefit programs? Do you have VaCMS experience? Do you have supervisory experience? If so, we would like a chance to talk to you about an exciting opportunity with our Human Services agency as a Benefit Programs Worker III .

The successful candidate will interview and communicate in a manner to accurately assess the customer’s needs and eligibility services; apply knowledge, skills and training received to make sound decisions/recommendations regarding the customer’s circumstances. This includes working independently and utilizing available tools such as online program manuals, Outlook, and all computer systems associated with determining eligibility.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class.

Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Serves as a lead worker and supports the supervisor by conducting program training for staff and reviewing case files for accuracy and completeness.
• Monitors casework for accuracy and compliance; assists staff in evaluating complex or difficult eligibility cases.
• Screens incoming cases from intake and other units to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Carries a caseload of clients receiving public assistance that involve complex issues
• Interviews applicants and clients to determine eligibility by securing and verifying social, financial, and medical information.
• Analyzes and documents case data to determine the most beneficial assistance plan; grants or denies benefits and notifies clients of determinations.
• Supervises staff by providing training, assigning and evaluating work, mentoring, counseling, and offering policy guidance.
• Investigates suspected fraud referrals received from staff, community sources, and computer data matches.
• Collects and analyzes evidence to support fraud investigations, conducts interviews with suspects and witnesses, and establishes intent.
• Testifies in court as needed; calculates fraud claims and initiates collections.
• Performs general administrative tasks such as correspondence, data entry, filing, faxing, phone calls, and photocopying.
• Compiles and maintains data for routine and special reports documenting program activities.
• Participates in staff meetings to share information and attends supervisory training to enhance professional skills.

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse ourBenefits Brochure, for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Required Qualifications

VOCATIONAL / EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT : Requires a high school diploma or GED / HSE and completion of government assistant programs.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT : In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this position requires a minimum of five years of related, full-time equivalent experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES : Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards . Requires certification in Phase Policy Training for TANF , Medicaid, and SNAP benefits.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT : Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-terms department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of SNAP , TANF , Medicaid
• Prefer working knowledge on processing Applications requesting Federal programs

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 08/20/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 09/07/2026

Open Continuous No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands S=Sedentary - Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or small weights frequently; sitting most of the time.

Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Standing

Standing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Sitting

Sitting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Walking

Walking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Lifting

Lifting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Lifting Amount

Lifting Amount Exerting up to 10 lbs

Carrying

Carrying Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Carrying Weight

Carrying Weight Exerting up to 10 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

Pushing/Pulling Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Pushing/Pulling Weight

Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 10 lbs

Reaching

Reaching Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Handling

Handling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Fine Dexterity

Fine Dexterity Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Kneeling

Kneeling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Crouching

Crouching Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Crawling

Crawling Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Bending

Bending Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Twisting

Twisting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Climbing

Climbing Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Balancing

Balancing Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Vision

Vision Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Hearing

Hearing Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Talking

Talking Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Foot Controls

Foot Controls Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used

Computer, copier, fax, telephone, scanner, adding machine, calculator, printer, car and related equipment.

Protective Equipment Required

N/A

Health and Safety

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Mechanical Hazards

Mechanical Hazards N = Never

Chemical Hazards

Chemical Hazards N = Never

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Hazards S = Seasonally

Fire Hazards

Fire Hazards S = Seasonally

Explosives

Explosives S = Seasonally

Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases S = Seasonally

Physical Danger or Abuse

Physical Danger or Abuse S = Seasonally

Other

If Other, Description

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Dirt and Dust

Dirt and Dust D = Daily

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme Temperatures D = Daily

Noise and Vibration

Noise and Vibration D = Daily

Fumes and Odors

Fumes and Odors D = Daily

Wetness/Humidity

Wetness/Humidity D = Daily

Darkness or Poor Lighting

Darkness or Poor Lighting D = Daily

Primary Work Location

Non-Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Time Pressures

Time Pressures Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Emergency Situations

Emergency Situations Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Frequent Change of Tasks

Frequent Change of Tasks Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Tedious or Exacting Work

Tedious or Exacting Work Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Noisy/Distracting Environment

Noisy/Distracting Environment Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Other

If Other, Description

Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)

NO

Professional References

Professional References

Please provide contact information for professional references.

Minimum Requests 0

Maximum Requests 4

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you possess a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City's Driving Standards? Please review position requirements for details.
• * This position requires completion of state-mandated SNAP and Medicaid program trainings. Please provide a list of all relevant trainings you have completed. If none, please indicate “N/A.” (Open Ended Question)
• Yes
• No