Eligibility Worker

Albemarle County; Charlottesville (VA); Remote; USD 59,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 paid holidays

Paid vacation and sick leave

Health insurance options with employer

Employer-paid life insurance

VRS retirement

Continuing education/training

Job summary

Albemarle County is seeking a Benefit Programs Specialist II- Eligibility Worker to conduct eligibility assessments for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and related programs. The role emphasizes accurate benefit computations, policy interpretation, and client-centered service.

The position supports a remote work option within Virginia, with a strong focus on equity, inclusion, and customer service excellence in a county department of social services setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with related work experience.
• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of public social services and benefit programs is a plus.
• Ability to interpret policy and apply guidelines correctly.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants and determine eligibility for benefit programs (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, etc.).
• Analyze information to determine ongoing eligibility and ensure accurate benefits.
• Explain programs and rights to clients and connect to services.
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure data integrity.
• Assist with appeals, prepare summaries, and participate in hearings.
• Collaborate with team, participate in meetings, and pursue training opportunities.
• Suggest changes to internal policies based on experience.

Skills

Interviewing

Time management

Math

Data collection

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Computer literacy

Attention to detail

Communication

Report writing

Scheduling

Prioritization

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Public benefits software

Office software

Job description

Benefit Programs Specialist II- Eligibility Worker

Department of Social Services

12 Months, Full-Time

Non-exempt, Pay Grade 30

VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

Job Description

The Eligibility Worker practices responsible, equitable, and professional community casework and case management in an inclusive team environment. Provides outstanding customer service delivery using a holistic approach to achieve customer satisfaction. Responsible with other team members for planning and implementing team goals. In addition, performs responsible professional and technical work involving management of a benefits program caseload, respecting the broader need of individual clients and their families. Commitment to County, Department and unit goals, as well as the agency's Quality Customer Service Standards. As an organization, ACDSS is committed to building a diverse team of contributors who believe and work from the foundation of our core values of equity and inclusion, hope, respect, opportunity, and self-determination. Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience and internal equity.

Essential Functions

• Interviews applicants/recipients, adapting techniques to meet the needs/abilities of the client;
• Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods; processes applications for benefit programs such as, but not limited to SNAP, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Energy, General Relief, Auxiliary Grants, Refugee Cash and/or Medical Assistance;
• Compiles and analyzes information and policy to determine and redetermine ongoing eligibility for financial, medical and or other governmental programs; computes income and resource eligibility timely, accurately and completely based on complex state and federal guidelines; ensures clients receive maximum eligible benefits;
• Explains available benefit programs, rights and responsibilities, other agency services and community resources identifies social problems and makes referrals to social workers as needed;
• Researches, interprets, and applies mandated programmatic policy and procedures based on state and federal guidelines in the administration of a benefits caseload which may be generic or specialized;
• Ensures integrity in benefits delivery and caseload management by maintaining records according to established guidelines and identifies errors/potential fraud and makes appropriate referrals; evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy;
• Responds to appeal requests, prepares appeal summaries and all supporting documentation, and participates in appeal hearings;
• Attends and participates in unit and agency meetings by sharing knowledge, experiences, and information; participates in agency workgroups and/or teams; attends and participates in ongoing training, learning, and growth opportunities;
• Recommends changes in internal policy and procedures based on experience and knowledge;
• Performs related tasks as required.

Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities

• General knowledge of interviewing and time management skills and principles and practices of public social service organizations;
• Some knowledge of current social, economic and health problems and of human behavior and social functioning;
• Knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems;
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
• Ability to analyze information and policy and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps;
• Ability to access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate,
• Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality;
• Ability to work effectively within and around teams;
• Ability to operate a computer and software;
• High level of attention to detail;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, management and the public consistent with the agency’s Quality Caseload Standards;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a team environment;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions;
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, orally and in writing;
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports;
• Ability to organize/manage own work schedule;
• Ability to plan, manage, coordinate, and prioritize multiple and varied activities and projects.

Required Education And Experience

• High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience, or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications

Strongly preferred, but not required:

• Bachelor's degree;
• Direct eligibility experience;
• Experience working effectively and successfully within a team;
• Experience working with populations with limited English proficiency.

Physical And Mental Requirements

• Workers in this position are required to drive and they must meet the eligibility requirements of the County's safe driver policy. Worker must be willing to travel occasionally overnight and may be required to assist in managing emergency shelters for the public. The candidate may be subject to criminal history and central registry background checks.
• Works with the public; works typically in an office setting and/or telework environment;
• Work is performed with relative independence;
• May involve frequent walking or standing, and light lifting;
• Regular operation of office equipment and occasional operation of vehicles;
• Daily contact with clients, families, and the community in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.

Remote Work

This position is eligible for a remote work schedule that is in compliance with the County’s Remote Work Policy and meets the operational and service needs for the position. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Salary Range

The hiring range for this position is $28.34 - $31.32 per hour (approx. $58, 948 - $65,153 per year). Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. This position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA non-exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy,

• P-60.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

Position open until Friday, October 16, 2026.

Virginia Values Veterans

Albemarle County is a Certified V3 organization.

Eoe/Eeo

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.