Benefit Programs Specialist I

Job Posting End Date:

October 7, 2026

Department:

HUMAN SERVICES

Compensation Grade:

G21

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

Pay Range: $47,153.60 - $73,465.60
Starting salary - Minimum of the Pay Range.

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

No

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

About Us:

Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

The City of Virginia Beach, Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking motivated candidates to perform professional case work duties, self-sufficiency evaluations and coaching for individuals and/or families receiving public assistance benefits through the Financial Assistance Division. Selected candidates may be placed in various benefit eligibility program units such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Adult Medicaid, Family and Children's Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Energy Assistance Programs, Long Term Care (LTC), and Aged Blind and Disabled (ABD).

Duties:

• Conduct face-to-face interviews with customers to determine eligibility for eligibility benefit programs using strong interpersonal skills and interviewing techniques; and establish rapport with customers to assess their needs and make appropriate referrals to assist customers to become self-sufficient.
• Collect, organize, evaluate, and verify documentation and data to determine eligibility for eligibility benefit programs.
• Organize, monitor and prioritize assigned cases to ensure required electronic case records and documents are properly filed, processed, verified and updated within specific time limits to meet the deadlines established by state and federal guidelines.
• Maintain and update appropriate records and management reports using computer skills and documentation; update data pertaining to the assigned case load by completing and filing all agency forms; makes timely and appropriate entries in case records of all actions taken; performs routine clearings to verify client eligibility; ensures that documents placed in record are accurate and complete.
• Interpret and apply complex federal, state, and local policies.
• Make contact with other agencies, individuals, and employers to obtain information to determine eligibility.
• Complete basic mathematical computations.
• Maintain and document client encounters into case records and management reports.
• Schedule activities, establish priorities, and comply with deadlines using effective time management and organizational skills.
• Provide high level customer service in person and via telephone when explaining eligibility requirements to applicants and the public.
• Participate in assigned and available training sessions to enhance job performance.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8am-5:00pm

A $3,000 hiring bonus is being offered for this position. Hiring bonuses shall only be for new hires of original employment or reemployment as defined in Human Resources Policy No. 5.0.

• $500 will be awarded in the first paycheck.
• $1,000 will be awarded upon completion of the six (6) month interim performance evaluation with an overall rating of “Meets Expectations”.
• $1,500 will be awarded upon completion of the employee’s one (1) year probationary period and a performance evaluation with an overall rating of “Meets Expectations”.

The City offers a  generous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and paid leave.

Additional requirements:

• DMV Transcript: No

• CDL: No

• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No

• CPS Check: No

• Physical: No

• Respirator: No

• Psychological Screening: No

• Polygraph: No

• At Will: No

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in human services, business administration, accounting, or a related field; OR any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to four (4) years in fields such as social services benefits programs, clerical accounting, or medical billing and coding utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Alpha I Status: Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City’s operational status.

Skills:

Computer Literacy, Conducting Interviews, Customer Service, Eligibility Verification

Working Conditions:

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business.

The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile. Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.

https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/P11402.pdf

Official Job Descriptions:

To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.

City of Virginia Beach Career Fair

Join the Annual Career Fair at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on October 6, 2026, from 12 PM to 6 PM. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with department contacts and learn more about the services they provide, along with current and future job openings. To pre-register, please click here.

City of Virginia Beach

Virtual Q&A:
Have questions about current job opportunities, the hiring process or benefits with the City of Virginia Beach? Join our virtual Q&A every Thursday from 11:00AM – 1:00PM. Ask questions, get answers, and take the next step in your career. To register click here.

The City of Virginia Beach boasts a diverse workforce of around 7,500 employees dedicated to delivering outstanding government services. Our team is guided by core values of quality customer service, teamwork, leadership and learning, integrity, commitment, and inclusion and diversity. Find your Best Job Yet and apply today to become part of a team where your skills and values make a significant impact.