Eligibility Specialist I

Salary: $35,292.00 - $39,900.00 Annually
Location : Newberry County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 188711
Agency: Department of Social Services
Division: Economic Services
Opening Date: 05/26/2026
Closing Date: 6/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Residency Requirement: No
Class Code:: GA43
Position Number:: 61013933
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: 05/26/2026
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.


Job Responsibilities
D o 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 provides services in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations and agency policies and procedures, performing general work duties related to the administration of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) includes ESAP (Elderly Simplified Application Project) and SCCAP (South Carolina Combined Application Project), and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) programs in the Economic Services Division in the county office to help restore or improve customer financial stability.

• Conducts a minimum of 15 quality interviews per day to include both phone and/or face-to-face interviews for SNAP, TANF, and ESAP applications and SNAP and/or TANF renewals.

• Processes all SNAP, TANF, ESAP, and SCCAP applications and/or recertification's by determining eligibility and authorizing benefits if applicable.

• Maintains case records and files in agency designated computer system for documentation and auditing purposes as required by agency policy in a confidential, timely and accurate manner. Documents client work participation activities in agency designated system. Enters timely documentation in SCOSA of events/activities that may affect clients continued eligibility for benefits.

• Identifies and documents over payments and makes at least 3 possible claims referrals to the Benefit Integrity Unit; prepares supporting documents for Fair Hearings and attends hearings as directed.

• Participates in all Economic Services required trainings and supervisory and/or staff meetings as required.

• Ensure personal identifying information (PII) is properly used, accessed, gathered, shared, and disposed. Protects the agency networks and applications by safeguarding systems, equipment, and data.

• Performs other related duties as required.

• Performs Red Cross shelter duty or other emergency shelter duty/services as directed.

Minimum and Additional Requirements


A High School Diploma and relevant program experience in clerical, administration, Social Work, correctional administration, or general business administration.

A Bachelor's Degree may be substituted for the required program experience.
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.


A valid drivers license is required. Must be able to travel within the state for the purpose of training and meetings to include overnight travel.


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 you are selected for job offer.

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

DIVISION: Economic Services / Newberry County
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.
01


Have you ever been terminated or forced to resign from any job? If yes, please explain.
02


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

03


I understand that by completion and submission of this application, that if I possess educational credentials that qualify me for the available position(s) and in the event I am offered a position with the SC Department of Social Services, I will be required to provide a certified official transcript within two (2) weeks of employment.

• Yes
• No

04


If you selected "Yes" that you are a veteran in the Agency-Wide Questions, are you able to provide a Member 4, Service 2-Copy, or NGB22 DD-214?

• Yes
• No

05


Have you ever been employed by the State of South Carolina? If yes, please provide the state agency/agencies.
06


How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• HR Recruiter
• DSS Employee
• DSS Internship
• Careers Website
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• SCWORKS
• College/University Job Portal
• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
• Radio/TV/Billboard
• Other

07


If you selected "Other" or "DSS Employee" in the previous question, please list the source below.
08


Have you completed an internship with the SC Department of Social Services?

• Yes
• No

09


Please select your current academic status:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate
• None of the above

10


Please provide the date of completion.
11


Do you have clerical, administrative, social work, correctional, business administration, or general business experience?

• Yes
• No

Required Question