Benefit Program Specialist I (Eligibility Worker) (9806)
Salary
$31,396.00 Annually
Location
17 - DESOTO COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9777-0651-20260617DES1
Department
0651 - DHS-ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE/TANF
Opening Date
06/19/2026
Closing Date
6/26/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$31,396.00
Agency Maximum Salary
$31,396.00
About the Agency
The Mississippi Department of Human Services is dedicated to serving others while providing a wide range of public assistance programs, social services, and support for children, low-income individuals and families. The agency seeks to empower families so they can become self-sufficient and responsible for their future success. This position is with the Division of Economic Assistance and will be located in DESOTO. If you have any questions, you may contact us at mdhsrecruitment@mdhs.ms.gov.
About the Position
This is a time-limited (NS-14) position with the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Economic Assistance, and is located in DeSoto County. The official MSPB classification title is Benefit Program Specialist I. The working title for this position is Benefit Program Specialist I, Eligibility Worker. This is a first-level professional position responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and supporting benefit and eligibility program activities. The incumbent may assist with determining eligibility, reviewing case information, processing applications or related documentation, performing case management work, and supporting public assistance program operations. The incumbent may also review program information, identify issues, prepare reports, communicate with clients and stakeholders, and assist with benefit or eligibility-related processes in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and program requirements. This position requires strong written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, professionalism, and a willingness to serve others.
What youll need to be Successful
To be successful in this position, the applicant should have strong written and oral communication skills and a willingness to serve others. The successful candidate should also demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail, organization, sound judgment, and the ability to work with individuals and families seeking public assistance services. The successful candidate should be able to follow policies and procedures, manage case information accurately, communicate clearly with clients and staff, maintain confidentiality, and support timely and effective service delivery.
Preferred Qualifications
Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree and 0-2 years of experience; or An Associate Degree and 2-3 years of experience.
Characteristics of Work
This is first-level professional benefit program work involving eligibility review, program support, case management, benefit processing, and assistance with public assistance program operations. The incumbent applies program policies and procedures to evaluate information, support eligibility determinations, assist clients, and maintain accurate case records.
Work may include reviewing applications or case documentation, gathering information, communicating with clients or stakeholders, preparing reports, supporting appeals or program review activities, and assisting with the effective administration of benefit and eligibility programs.
Examples of Work
Examples of work include reviewing benefit or eligibility information; assisting with eligibility determinations; gathering and verifying case information; processing applications, claims, or related documentation; communicating with clients, applicants, families, stakeholders, and agency staff; maintaining case records and program documentation; preparing reports, correspondence, and findings; reviewing program processes and identifying issues; assisting with case management activities; applying public assistance program policies and procedures; supporting benefit program operations; assisting with appeals or related program matters as assigned; and performing related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree and 0-2 years of experience;
or
An Associate Degree and 2-3 years of experience.
Essential Functions
Essential functions include reviewing and evaluating benefit or eligibility information; assisting with eligibility determinations and case management activities; gathering, verifying, and maintaining case documentation; processing applications, claims, or related program materials; communicating effectively with clients, applicants, families, stakeholders, and agency personnel; applying applicable program policies, procedures, rules, and requirements; preparing reports, correspondence, and case documentation; maintaining confidentiality and accuracy of records; supporting public assistance program operations; and performing related benefit program duties as assigned.
Health/Prescription Insurance
Eligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the state's health and prescription insurance program. Employees may select either single or family coverage with affordable co-payments. More detail can be found at Know Your Benefits.
Wellness Benefits
Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan provides annual benefits for certain services with first-dollar coverage with no deductible.
Life Insurance
All eligible employees receive an actual term life insurance policy upon employment. The policy coverage is two times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $100,000. More detail can be found at Life Insurance Choices.
Optional Insurances
Many agencies offer discounted premiums for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Many state agencies provide opportunity for employees to participate in pre-tax spending accounts. These accounts allow employees to withhold childcare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses prior to application of state and federal taxes.
Paid Personal Leave and Sick Leave
Full-time employees receive paid time off for personal needs and for sick leave. Leave begins accruing after one month of employment and may be used as it is accrued. Employees earn approximately 18 days of personal leave annually and 12 days of sick leave annually.
Military Leave
In accordance with federal law, all employees serving in the armed forces or the military reserves are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.
Holidays
Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays to enjoy many of our nation's celebrations with family and friends.
Retirement Programs
The State of Mississippi provides all its employees a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program. Employees become vested in the State's retirement system after 8 years of employment. Both you and your employing agency contribute toward your retirement. More detailed information regarding the State's retirement program can be found at http://www.pers.state.ms.us
Deferred Compensation
State agencies offer several opportunities for their employees to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan. More information can be found at Deferred Compensation.
State Credit Union
All state employees are eligible to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees' Credit Union. This organization offers state employees special savings and borrowing plans. For more information about this program, call 601.948.8191.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many state agencies provide opportunities for their employees to achieve higher education through tuition reimbursement. Common programs include medical and nursing fields, accounting, and business/administrative fields.
Career Development and Training
The Mississippi State Personnel Board offers several management and administrative certification programs, as well as professional development courses to enhance employee value to the agency. Individual agencies also offer technical training and allow membership in professional organizations to employees in their specific fields of employment.
Promotional Opportunities
Employees who have completed 6 or more months of service are eligible for promotional opportunities within state government employment. Minimum qualifications must be met.
Career Ladders
Many job classifications provide career-ladder opportunities based upon attainment of competencies. These career ladders can increase an individual's salary, provided funds are available within the agency.
01
How many years of related experience do you have? (Refer to the job posting for an explanation of related experience.)
02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed?
Required Question
Employer State of Mississippi
Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
Phone 601-359-1406
601-359-1406