Benefit Program Specialist I(SNAP/TANF Eligibility Specialist)

Salary: $31,396.00 Annually
Location : 05 - BENTON COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 9777-0651-20260603BEN
Department: 0651 - DHS-ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE/TANF
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: 6/10/2026 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 to become self-sufficient and responsible for their future success. This position is with the Division of Economic Assistance and will be located in BENTON. If you have any questions, you may contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io.
About the Position: First-level professional position considered an expert in a broad benefit area (e.g., Public Assistance Programs, Unemployment, veteran's loan eligibility, etc.) that evaluates the effectiveness of benefit and eligibility programs by auditing processes and reporting findings to the stakeholder. Employees may be the lead worker within a benefit area and assign and review the work of others. Employees at this level may assist in establishing public assistance programs in response to legislative mandates and recommend policy or policy revisions to governing bodies. At this level, some employees may be responsible for overseeing and determining high value claims, benefits, and/or eligibility (e.g., estate management) through consideration of a wide range of legal, medical, occupational, and other factors to develop cases based upon complicated facts. At this level, employees may advocate in an appeals process. May be required to perform case management work.
What you'll need to be Successful: Candidate must demonstrate integrity, pride in themselves and their work, have a positive attitude and a positive work ethic, be organized with the ability to multitask, and must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be courteous and have compassion for others. Candidate must also be able to adapt to changes quickly, be reliable, and must have the ability to work with others as a team. This position requires complete confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree and 0-2 years of experience OR an Associate's Degree and 2-3 years of experience.


No available description
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
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 View phone number on click.appcast.io.
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.)

• No experience
• 1 year of experience
• 2 years of experience
• 3 years of experience
• 4 years of experience
• 5 years of experience
• 6 years of experience
• 7 years of experience
• 8 years of experience
• 9 years of experience
• 10 years of experience
• More than 10 years

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What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed?

• 8th grade
• GED or High School Equivalency Diploma / High School Diploma
• 30 semester hours
• Associate's Degree / 60 semester hours
• 90 semester hours
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Specialist Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• 9th grade
• 10th grade
• 11th grade

Required Question