Benefit Programs Specialist I - Energy Assistance - Part Time

Job Open Date: 04/17/2026

Job Close Date: 5/1/2026

Part Time 

This is an in-office position.

Job Description:

Under general supervision, performs technical duties in determining eligibility of applicants for assistance for the Energy Assistance Program administered by the City Social Services Department. Work involves interviewing applicants and explaining multiple benefit programs; assisting applicants in completing necessary forms; determining and advising applicants of eligibility for assistance. 

 

Employee is also responsible for verifying that information received from applicants is correct and complete, detecting cases of fraud and reporting them, maintaining a variety of records and files. Employee must exercise considerable independent judgement, discretion and initiative in completing assignments. Employee must also exercise considerable tact, courtesy, and discretion in frequent contact with program clients and applicants.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

-High School Diploma or equivalent, work experience in human services program eligibility or case management work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

 

 Preferred Qualifications:

-Prefer Energy Assistance Program eligibility determination experience in a local VA DSS agency within the last 2 years.

- Prefer Benefit Program eligibility determination experience in a local VA DSS agency within the last 2 years.

 

Special Requirements:

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen. The investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification, and references, verification of education, credit checks relevant to employment and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

 

-Employee must be willing to work disaster related assignments, including emergency shelter duty, in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

-Employee will not be permitted to work more than 28 hours per week.

 

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications are accepted online only through this posting. Only completed employment applications (complete with all periods of employment and unemployment, job duties, dates of employment, and job contact information) will be considered. This website will provide a confirmation receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.

Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application.

Please refer to your HR Connect account for the status of your application and this position.

Contact Info: vdssjobs@suffolkva.us - Suffolk DSS, 135 Hall Avenue Suite B, Suffolk, VA 23434

VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia's most vulnerable citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.