Food & Nutrition Services - Eligibility Team Lead

About the Role

The Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program—formerly known as Food Stamps—plays a crucial role in helping low-income households access the nutritious food they need to thrive. Our mission is simple but powerful: end hunger, improve nutrition, and strengthen the health of our community. As a Food and Nutrition Services Lead Worker, you’ll support that mission every day by guiding staff, reviewing cases, and helping ensure high-quality service delivery to the residents who count on us. This position is based at our Swinburne office in Raleigh, with occasional travel to regional offices.

A Note on Emergency Preparedness: Wake County employees play an active role in departmental emergency readiness and may experience temporary changes in duties or work schedules when needed.

Responsibilities

• Answer staff policy questions with confidence and clarity
• Prepare and deliver mini-trainings to support staff development
• Meet regularly with trainees to mentor, monitor progress, and check work
• Maintain case management responsibilities for vacant caseloads or when caseworkers are out
• Conduct quality reviews of staff casework
• Assign work and help maintain smooth workflow across the team
• Respond to inquiries from the general public and facility personnel

About Our Team

The Wake County Department of Social Services team is grounded in a deep commitment to connection, compassion, and community. We bring together experienced professionals who collaborate to support individuals and families through complex challenges, connect them with critical resources, and promote long-term stability. We value insight, innovation, and a solutions-focused approach, and we welcome those who are ready to contribute their expertise to meaningful, community-centered work.

Requirements

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Associate's degree in Human Services or a related field
• Two years of job-related experience
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Determining eligibility for a State or County Department of Social Services program (Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, Work First, Child Care Subsidy, Child Support, WIC or Energy Assistance Program)
• Human Services Technician role supporting any Human Services program in a county or state Department of Human Services or Social Services agency
• Determining eligibility for a Financial or Insurance Provider for financial assistance or insurance claims
• Assessing the financial capabilities and need for financial assistance (e.g., Financial Counseling)
• Direct clerical or customer services support to a Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, Work First, or Child Care Subsidy Program within a State or County Department of Social Services
• Experience working with the homeless population
• Spanish language skills preferred but not required

Skills

• Adaptability
• Accountability
• Ability to apply complex policy to determine client budgets
• Proficient in calculating client budgets
• Ability to review and assess financial information
• Strong Attention to Detail
• Stress tolerance
• Values Diversity
• Client/Customer Service oriented
• Excellent Communication (verbally and written)
• Well-developed interpersonal skills
• Ability to utilize office equipment and other relevant technology (software and systems) to meet business needs (e.g., Microsoft Office, NC FAST, and Hyland OnBase)

Pay

Hiring Range: $26.82 - $32.79 per hour
Market Range: $26.82 - $38.76 per hour

About Wake County

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature, and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County.

Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. In Fall 2026, two at-large seats will be added for nine total commissioners. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2026 General Fund budget is approximately $2.1 billion, and the County has over 5,100 full-time employees.

Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.