Food & Nutrition Services - Eligibility Caseworker I

Wake County; Raleigh, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake County is seeking a Food and Nutrition Services Eligibility Caseworker I to assess and determine eligibility for FNS benefits. You will interview applicants, enter data, verify information, and refer clients to community resources as part of a collaborative social services team.

A hybrid work schedule may be available based on program needs. Required are a high school diploma or GED and at least two years of related experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Minimum two years of related experience in social services or eligibility.
• Equivalent education and experience accepted.
• Ability to document work history in full detail on the application.

Responsibilities

• Determine initial or ongoing eligibility for Food and Nutrition Services.
• Interview applicants by phone or in person to gather required information.
• Enter data into the computer system to authorize benefits.
• Collect verifications to determine eligibility per program policy.
• Provide referrals to community resources and other services.
• Meet performance standards for quantity and quality of work.
• Back up other case managers as needed.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation.
• Attend required orientation and training.

Skills

Advanced computer skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Policy interpretation

Education

High school degree or GED

Two years of related experience

Tools

NCFAST

Hyland OnBase

OLV (Online Verification)

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

The Food Assistance Program (once referred to as Food Stamps) helps low-income households with their monthly food expenses. The purpose of Food and Nutrition Services is to end hunger and improve nutrition and health for the residents of Wake County. The program helps eligible low-income households buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet.

We are currently recruiting for a Food and Nutrition Services - Eligibility Caseworker I to become part of the Wake County team! The Food and Nutrition Services - Eligibility Caseworker I determines initial or ongoing eligibility for Food and Nutrition Services (FNS/Food stamps) for new applications or re-determinations (or reviews) of ongoing cases.

The FNS Eligibility Caseworker interviews individuals either by phone or in person to obtain the necessary information to determine eligibility.

Food and Nutrition Eligibility Caseworker I primary responsibilities include:

• Assessing client's situation and provide appropriateinformation about economic benefits
• Referrals to community resources and otherservices
• Enter all required data into computer system in orderto authorize benefits
• Requests the verification needed to determineeligibility according to program policy
• Evaluates the information provided and makeseligibility determination
• Must meet established performance standards regardingquantity and quality of work
• Responsible for providing back up to other casemanagers
• Work reports, provide accurate and timelydocumentation
• Utilize document management system for caseloadmanagement
• Attending required orientation and training

Based on performance and needs of the program, a hybrid work schedule could be available.

About Our Team

The Wake County Department of Social Services team is grounded in a deep commitment to connection, compassion, and community. We bring together experienced professionals who collaborate to support individuals and families through complex challenges, connect them with critical resources, and promote long-term stability. We value insight, innovation, and a solutions-focused approach, and we welcome those who are ready to contribute their expertise to meaningful, community-centered work. Join us in making a lasting difference!

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• High school degree or GED
• Two years of related experience
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Experience determining eligibility for a State or County Department of Social Services program (Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, Work First, Child Care Subsidy, Child Support, WIC or Energy Assistance Program)
• Experience in a Human Services Technician role supporting any Human Services program in a county or state Department of Human Services or Social Services agency
• Direct clerical or customer services experience providing support to a Department of Social Services program (Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, Work First, Child Care Subsidy, Child Support, WIC or Energy Assistance Program)
• Spanish language skills

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Adaptability with high stress tolerance
• Accountability and integrity with strong attention to detail
• Strong ability to communicate complex policy to the public and determine client budgets; ability to develop proficiency in calculating client budgets
• Customer service oriented, appreciative of client diversity, and possesses the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with customers by listening, understanding, and responding to their identified needs
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced deadline-driven environment with extreme accuracy to include flexibility and adaptability in an environment with frequent changes
• Proficient with basic computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Word and Excel) and NCFAST, Hyland OnBase (PRIME), and OLV (Online Verification)

About This Position

Location: HSC SomersetRaleigh, NC 27609

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon. - Fri. 8 am-5 pm.

Hiring Range: 26.07 - 29.81

Market Range: 26.07 - 33.55

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 9/27/2026

What Makes Wake Great

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is the proud home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, winners in 2006 and 2026. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. Starting in fall 2026, the Wake County Board will have seven commissioners elected by voters in their districts and two at‑large commissioners elected by the whole County. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well‑managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $2.28 billion, and the County has more than 5,000 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants foremployment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that mayinclude: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on jobrequirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you fromconsideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected.Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, duringand after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.