DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

Economic Services Administration's Community Service Division offers an entry-level Public Benefits Specialist position with training provided. This role is based on-site at the Community Services Office in Wenatchee and provides a full-time career opportunity in public service, helping Washingtonians access essential benefits.

About the role

As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will assist individuals applying for public assistance through face-to-face interactions and phone communications. You will determine eligibility for various programs by conducting interviews, gathering information, and processing applications using internal software.

Responsibilities

• Process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, Child Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid Assistance programs using internal software.
• Conduct interviews and independently determine eligibility based on household income and size.
• Gather, review, and verify data, applications, and documentation for each benefit program.
• Process all applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements.
• Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs to clients, and answer questions regarding benefits or available services.

Qualifications

We seek applicants comfortable working in a policy-driven environment where work is routinely audited, and feedback is used for growth. The following education and/or experience are required:

• Four years in a customer service job with major duties involving public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determination (e.g., processing loan applications, medical insurance or 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, including financial, medical, and food benefit programs.

Desired Skills

• Ability to navigate multiple computer programs and tools accurately.
• Apply rules and procedures correctly, even in complex situations.
• Interpret federal, state, and agency rules to determine appropriate actions.
• Analyze detailed or confusing information to make sound decisions.
• Provide calm, respectful, and accurate assistance in person, over the phone, and in call-center settings.
• Communicate supportively with individuals in difficult or emotional situations.
• Understand and respect cultural, socioeconomic, and individual differences among clients.
• Manage multiple tasks in a busy office while maintaining accuracy.

Pay

Those hired into the Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 training plan can expect a starting monthly salary of $4,517 (Range 43, Step G). Salary increases as employees successfully progress through training:

• Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,517.00 (Step G) – $5,111.00 (Step L) after 6 months.
• Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,746.00 (Step F) – $5,506.00 (Step L) after 6 months.
• Public Benefits Specialist 3: $5,240.00 (Step G) – $5,928.00 (Step L).

Schedule

This is a full-time position.