Eligibility Specialist I Continuous (ES) Salary $35,292.00 - $39,900.00 Annually
Location: Statewide, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 182920
Agency: Department of Social Services
Division: Economic Services
Opening Date: 01/02/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Class Code: GA43
Position Number: Eligibility Specialist I Continuous (ES)
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN04
Hiring Range: Min. $35,292.00 Hiring Range: Max. $39,900.00
Opening Date: 01/02/2026
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures: All applicants must apply online. All correspondence from DSS Human Resources will be made through electronic mail, unless otherwise indicated.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Description Benefits Questions Job Responsibilities
Multiple Positions Available This posting is being advertised to fill Full-Time (FTE) and Temporary-Grant (TG) Positions Positions available for the counties listed in the Supplemental Questions
Do you have a passion to provide meaningful contributions to your community? Would you like to be part of an organization whose central mission is helping to protect, stabilize and strengthen the lives of South Carolina's children, families, and vulnerable adults? If so, the SC Department of Social Services has the right job opportunity for you!
Job Duties: The Eligibility Specialist I for our Economic Services Intake Centers is responsible for conducting telephone interviews to assist clients with determining eligibility for SNAP and FI at application and annual recertification. Collect and verify information to determine initial and continued eligibility for benefits and processes case if all required documentation is available at the time of the interview. Clearly and thoroughly documents receipt of all required information and contact with the household.
Will be required to perform shelter/emergency response duties as directed.
Minimum and Additional Requirements A High School Diploma and relevant program experience in clerical administration, Social Work, Correctional administration, and general Business Administration. A Bachelor's Degree may be substituted for the required program experience.
Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion. Knowledge of local community resources. Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships and communicate effectively. Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to quietly master required databases and systems.
Additional Comments This application for employment with the SC Department of Social Services must be completed in its entirety. A resume may be included; but shall not be substituted in lieu of the completion of this application in part or in whole. "See Resume" is not acceptable information for the completion of any part of the requirements of this application. If such is submitted, this employment application will be considered incomplete and may not be forwarded as eligible for consideration to hiring managers.
Applicants should have the ability to enter data into a computer to determine the eligibility for benefits consistently during the workday; and interview clients via telephone to gather necessary information. Must have a valid drivers license. If you certify, by completion and submission of this application, that you possess educational credentials that qualify you for the available DSS positions, you will be required to provide a certified official transcript, if selected for the position.
DIVISION: Economic Services / Statewide
The South Carolina Department of Social Services offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:
Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year 15 days sick leave per year 13 paid holidays Paid Parental Leave State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs
Benefits for State Employees The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
Have you ever been terminated or forced to resign from any job? If yes, please explain.
I understand that supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation will result in disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. If there are periods of time when you were not employed, you must also list those periods on your employment application. A resume cannot be submitted for completed work history and education sections of the employment application. The employment application may be considered incomplete and may not be forwarded. I have read and acknowledge the above. Yes No
I understand that by completion and submission of this application, that if I possess educational credentials that qualify me for the available DSS positions, I will be required to provide a certified official transcript, if selected for the position. Yes No
I understand that it is my responsibility to provide a certified official college transcript within two (2) weeks of employment in the event I am offered a position with the Department of Social Services. Yes No
If you selected "Yes" that you are a veteran, are you able to provide a Member 4, Service 2-Copy, or NGB22 DD-214? Yes No
Have you ever been employed by the State of South Carolina? If yes, please provide the state agency/agencies.
How did you hear about this job opportunity? HR Recruiter DSS Employee Careers Website Indeed LinkedIn SCWORKS College/University Job Portal Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) Radio/TV/Billboard Other
If you selected "Other" or "DSS Employee" in the previous question, please list the source below.
Which of the following best describes your highest level of completed education?
High School Diploma or GED Associate Degree Bachelors Degree Masters Degree Doctorate None of the above
Please provide the date of completion.
Do you have relevant program experience in clerical administration, Social Work, Correctional administration, and general Business Administration? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Aiken County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Allendale County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Anderson County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Barnwell County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Berkeley County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Charleston County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Clarendon County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Darlington County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Dorchester County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Florence County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Greenville County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Hampton County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Horry County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Jasper County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Kershaw County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Lee County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Lexington County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Marion County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Marlboro County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Oconee County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Orangeburg County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Pickens County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Richland County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Saluda County? Yes No
Are you willing and able to work in Spartanburg County? Yes No
Required Question Employer: State of South Carolina Agency: Department of Social Services Address: 1535 Confederate Avenue Extension Columbia, South Carolina, 29201 Phone: 803-898-7315 ext. 2
The language used in this document does not create an employment contract between the employee and the agency. This document does not create any contractual rights or entitlements. The agency reserves the right to revise the content of this document, in whole or in part. No promises or assurances, whether written or oral, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the terms of this paragraph create any contract of employment.