Food & Nutrition Services - Eligibility Caseworker I

Wake County; Wake Forest (NC); On-site; USD 54,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake County’s Food & Nutrition Services team seeks an Eligibility Caseworker I in Wake Forest, NC to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for benefits. You will conduct interviews by phone or in person to collect information essential for accurate decisions, and you will assess client budgets and resources.

Responsibilities include data entry, document verification, referrals to services, and maintaining documentation while meeting performance standards and providing backup support to other

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Assessing clients' situations and providing accurate information on available economic benefits
• Making referrals to community resources and supportive services
• Entering all required data into the computer system to authorize benefits
• Requesting and reviewing verification documents in accordance with program policy
• Evaluating gathered information and determining eligibility
• Meeting established performance standards related to work quality and quantity
• Providing backup support to other case managers as needed
• Managing reports, maintaining timely and accurate documentation
• Using the document management system for efficient caseload management

Education

High school degree or GED

Two years of related experience

Equivalent education and experience accepted

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

The Food & NutritionServices Program (formerly known as Food Stamps) plays a vital role insupporting low‑income households by helping them meet their monthly food needs.The mission is simple but powerful: end hunger, improve nutrition, and supportthe health of our community. This program also helps eligible householdspurchase the food necessary for a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet.

We are excited to announce an opportunity to join ourteam as a:

Food & Nutrition Services –Eligibility Caseworker I

In this essential role, you will help individuals andfamilies access theFood and Nutrition Services (FNS)benefits theyrely on. You'lldetermine initial and ongoing eligibility for Food and Nutrition Services through new applications and case re-determinations. Youwill conduct interviews either by phone or in person to gather informationessential for making accurate eligibility decisions.

What You’ll Do

As a FNS Eligibility Caseworker I, your responsibilities will include:

• Assessing clients' situations and providing accurate information on availableeconomic benefits
• Making referrals to community resources and supportive services
• Entering all required data into the computer system to authorize benefits
• Requesting and reviewing verification documents in accordance with programpolicy
• Evaluating gathered information and determining eligibility
• Meeting established performance standards related to work quality andquantity
• Providing backup support to other case managers as needed
• Managing reports, maintaining timely and accurate documentation
• Using the document management system for efficient caseload management

Make a Real Impact

If you’re a critical thinker, detail‑oriented, dedicatedto serving your community, and passionate about helping residents meet theirbasic needs, this role is a chance to create meaningful change—one household ata time.

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

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
• Experience determining eligibility for a Financial or Insurance Provider for financial assistance or insurance claims
• Experience assessing the financial capabilities and need for financial assistance (Financial Counseling)
• Direct clerical or customer services experience providing support to a Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, Work First, or Child Care Subsidy Program within a State or County Department of Social Services
• Experience working with the homeless population
• Spanish language skills

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

• Adaptability, accountability and integrity
• Ability to apply complex policy to determine client budgets and proficient in calculating client budgets
• Strong attention to detail
• Stress tolerance
• Customer service oriented and values client diversity
• Excellent communication (verbally and written)
• Ability to utilize office requirement and other relevant technology (software and systems) to meet business needs (e.g., Microsoft Office, NC FAST, and Hyland OnBase)

About This Position

Location: Northrn Regional CenterWake Forest, NC 27587 USA

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon. - Fri. 8:15 am - 5:00 pm

Hiring Range: 26.07 - 29.81

Market Range: 26.07 - 33.55

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 10/12/2026

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.