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Benefit Program Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Education and Experience- Same as required in Benefit Program Specialist II with additional related ... work experience in benefit programs OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which ...

... time off benefits. POSITION OVERVIEW (What we're looking for ) Reporting to the SACC Program ... Program Specialist role is based at the Lynn office. This role will provide on-site support to ...

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Benefit Program Specialist information

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$27K

$68K

$121.5K

How much do benefit program specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for benefit program specialist in the United States is $68,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $86,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a benefit program specialist?

Benefit Program Specialists are professionals who evaluate and administer public assistance programs, such as food stamps, Medicaid, or welfare. They help individuals and families navigate the eligibility process, collect and verify documentation, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Their role involves interviewing clients, processing applications, and providing information about available benefits. Benefit Program Specialists are often employed by government agencies or social service organizations, working directly with the community to provide essential support.

What are some typical challenges a benefit program specialist faces when managing multiple client cases?

Benefit Program Specialists often juggle a high volume of cases, each with unique client needs and deadlines. Balancing accuracy and efficiency while ensuring compliance with evolving policies can be challenging. Effective time management, strong organizational skills, and the ability to adapt quickly to policy changes are crucial. Collaboration with colleagues and clear communication with clients also help navigate these challenges and maintain quality service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a benefit program specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Benefit Program Specialist, you need a solid understanding of public assistance programs, eligibility determination, and relevant regulations, often supported by a degree in social work or a related field. Familiarity with case management software, government databases, and documentation systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills help specialists engage effectively with clients and manage complex cases. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate service delivery, regulatory compliance, and positive client outcomes.

What is the difference between Benefit Program Specialist vs Benefits Coordinator?

AspectBenefit Program SpecialistBenefits Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or related fieldUsually requires similar education, often with HR or benefits certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks in HR departments, insurance companies, or corporate settingsWorks in HR or benefits departments, often in corporate or healthcare settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large organizations, insurance firms, and government agenciesCommon in corporate HR teams, healthcare providers, and insurance companies
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles managing employee benefits programsOften compared for roles coordinating benefits administration

The Benefit Program Specialist and Benefits Coordinator roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often within HR departments of large organizations or insurance firms. While both focus on employee benefits, the Benefit Program Specialist typically develops and manages benefits programs, whereas the Benefits Coordinator handles day-to-day benefits administration and employee inquiries.

Do you need a degree to be a benefit program specialist?

A benefit program specialist typically does not require a specific degree, but relevant education such as a bachelor's in human resources, social services, or related fields can be advantageous. Employers often value experience, knowledge of benefit programs, and strong communication skills over formal education. Certifications in benefits administration or related areas can also enhance job prospects.

How much does a benefit program specialist make?

The average salary for a benefit program specialist is around $50,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. In North Carolina, salaries typically range from $45,000 to $60,000 annually, with higher pay for those with specialized skills or certifications in benefits administration.

What does a benefit program specialist do?

A benefit program specialist manages and administers employee benefit plans such as health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. They ensure compliance with regulations, communicate benefits to employees, and handle enrollment and inquiries, often using benefits administration software. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for this role.
More about Benefit Program Specialist jobs

Who are the top companies hiring for Benefit Program Specialist jobs?

The top employers for Benefit Program Specialist jobs are:

What states have the most Benefit Program Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Benefit Program Specialist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Benefit Program Specialist jobs?

For Benefit Program Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Benefit Program Specialist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 85% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,012 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Benefit Programs Specialist II

Charlotte Court House, VA • On-site

City of Alexandria
201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


City Of Alexandria (Louisiana) rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 861 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Title Description- Benefit Programs Specialist II represents the full-performance level in the Benefit Programs Specialist occupational group. Employees' responsibilities are related to the determination and re-determination of eligibility of individuals and families for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and for other social services' benefit programs. The work is performed within established policies, procedures and guidelines, but certain aspects of eligibility determination require independent judgment, especially as related to evaluation of social factors influencing eligibility. Employees seek supervisory help for difficult or unusual situations only. The Benefit Programs Specialist II is distinguished from the Benefit Programs Specialist III by the latter's performing advanced technical work requiring depth and breadth of knowledge to understand, analyze and act on complex cases. Also, the Benefit Programs Specialist III serves as a technical resource for others regarding social services' eligibility programs. 

 
General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) - 
  • Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and re-determines their continuing eligibility; 
  • Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance;
  •  Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods; 
  • Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various programs; 
  • Monitors cases for changes in recipient circumstances, and implements changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines; 
  • Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential sources of income; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability; 
  • Refers clients to service worker as the result of overall assessment of situation; prepares reports and maintains client records; 
  • Identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals; evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy; 
  • Explains programs and rights/responsibilities of applicants and recipients; 
  • Explores other possible sources of income; 
  • Computes assistance plans; 
  • Determines the amount of allowances for special circumstance items such as household equipment; 
  • Identifies clearly discernible social problems and makes referrals to Social Workers; 
  • Provides applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services as needed.
  • Explains a variety of programs under the social services umbrella such as employment services, child support services and child care services.

 

 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge- Working knowledge of: practices of public service organizations; economic and basic human behavior; financial assistance programs sufficient to determine/re-determine eligibility for benefits; eligibility requirements for social service assistance as outlined by State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.

 
Skills- Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.

 
Abilities- Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone; interview, gather information, re-evaluate each client's situation, and make referrals; determine a client's ownership share in situations; make mathematical computations; analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, reports, and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.

 
Education and Experience- Same as required in Benefit Program Specialist I with experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefit Programs training OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

 

 

 
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.



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