DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

About the role

This role involves working on-site at our Belltown Community Services Office located in Seattle, WA. When you work for us, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians. This full-time career can be a gateway to a rewarding profession in public service.

Responsibilities

• Help people applying for public assistance services through face-to-face interactions and over the phone.
• Determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews, obtaining information from individuals and third parties.
• Process applications received online and process all case actions using the appropriate computer programs.
• Learn to process applications for initial and on-going eligibility determinations for Financial, Child Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs.
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.
• Gather and review data, applications, and verification for each benefit program as it relates to each person's circumstances.
• Process all applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements based on household income and size.
• Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs, as well as answer questions regarding benefits or available services to clients.

Requirements

• Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination such as examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims (College education can substitute year-for-year for experience).
• One year of equivalent, out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs.

Desired

• Thrives in a standardized work setting.
• Able to learn and utilize various computer programs.
• Communicates effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, working with people who have communication challenges, assisting underserved populations, and discussing confidential and unpleasant options, in person and over the phone.
• Works with complex technical regulations and procedures and analyzes complex situations.
• Refrains from personal bias when determining eligibility.
• Prioritizes and performs multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions.

Benefits

King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

Pay

The salary for Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 is a minimum of $4,517 (Range 43, Step G). This salary will increase as the employee successfully progresses in their training. The projected timelines and ranges for this progression are shown below:

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

Schedule

This is a full-time career.