Entry-Level Eligibility & Benefits Specialist

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Tappahannock (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers is seeking an entry‑level Benefit Programs Specialist I in Virginia. The role trains under supervision to determine eligibility for social services and assist with program applications, with potential promotion to Specialist II after successful training and evaluation.

Employees work under supervision to learn agency practices, using data systems to maintain case records and support clients through the benefits process.

Qualifications

• Knowledge: basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages; interviewing techniques.
• Skills: ability to operate a PC and office/agency software.
• Abilities: communicate effectively, interview, gather information, analyze information, exercise judgment, maintain confidentiality, maintain professional ethics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews to determine eligibility for assistance and re-determine continuing eligibility.
• Explain nature of temporary assistance programs and determine need for assistance.
• Process applications for financial assistance and diversion; explain client responsibilities and program availability.
• Evaluate data for consistency and accuracy; substantiate as needed.
• Compute assistance plans; determine need for allowances for special items.
• Evaluate social factors like education, work experience, social functioning; assess employability.
• Maintain data in case records and create reports.

Skills

Interviewing techniques

Data collection

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma plus training/experience

Tools

Office software

Job description

Commonwealth of VA Careers is seeking an entry‑level Benefit Programs Specialist I in Virginia. The role trains under supervision to determine eligibility for social services and assist with program applications, with potential promotion to Specialist II after successful training and evaluation.

Employees work under supervision to learn agency practices, using data systems to maintain case records and support clients through the benefits process.