DSHS ESA CSD Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

Join the Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) as an entry-level Public Benefits Specialist. This role offers on-site work at our Pierce South Community Services Office in Tacoma, WA, with training provided. You'll help individuals apply for public assistance services in-person, determine eligibility for various programs, and process applications using specialized computer programs.

About the role

This full-time position is a gateway to a rewarding career in public service, where your compassion directly impacts the lives of fellow Washingtonians. You'll work in a standardized environment, utilizing various computer programs to conduct interviews, gather information, and process case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements.

Responsibilities

• Process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid Assistance programs using internal software.
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility based on household income, size, and individual circumstances.
• Gather, review, and verify data, applications, and documentation for each benefit program.
• Process all applications and case actions in compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs to clients, answering questions about benefits and available services.
• Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those in difficult situations, with communication challenges, or from underserved populations.
• Analyze complex situations and work with technical regulations and procedures without personal bias.
• Prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions.

Requirements

• Four years of experience in a customer service role involving public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determination (e.g., processing loan applications, medical insurance claims, rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims). College education can substitute year-for-year for experience.
• OR one year of equivalent out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance programs, including financial, medical, and food benefit programs.

Preferred Qualities

• Ability to thrive in a standardized work setting.
• Capacity to learn and utilize various computer programs effectively.
• Strong communication skills for diverse and challenging interactions, both in-person and over the phone.
• Ability to work with complex technical regulations and analyze intricate situations.
• Commitment to fairness, access, and social justice in public service.

Pay

Starting salary for Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 trainees is a minimum of $4,517 per month (Range 43, Step G). Salary progression during training is as follows:

• Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,517.00 (Step G) – $5,111.00 (Step L) over 6 months.
• Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,746.00 (Step F) – $5,506.00 (Step L) over 6 months.
• Public Benefits Specialist 3: $4,980.00 (Step E) – $5,928.00 (Step L).

Benefits

• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Background checks, including criminal record history, may be conducted prior to hiring. A valid driver’s license and liability insurance (if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business) are required.