DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

About the role

Economic Services Administration’s (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) has an entry-level opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist with training provided. This full-time position works on-site at the Ellensburg Community Services Office helping individuals and families access benefits and resources. As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will 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 and obtaining information from individuals and third parties, and process applications received online and all case actions using appropriate computer programs. Note: This is an in-person only position; remote or hybrid work is not available.

Responsibilities

• Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, 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, and answer questions regarding benefits or available services to clients.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications (one of the following):

• 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 skills

• Understands and applies complex technical regulations, policies, and procedures while analyzing individual circumstances and making eligibility determinations objectively.
• Communicates effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of situations, including de-escalating difficult situations and communicating with individuals who may have communication challenges.
• Provides respectful and supportive service to underserved populations while discussing confidential, sensitive, or difficult topics in person and over the phone.
• Thrives in a structured and standardized work environment.
• Learns and effectively uses a variety of computer programs and systems.
• Prioritizes and manages multiple tasks in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions.

Pay

Salary progression for the Public Benefits Specialist 1–3 training plan with ESA CSD:

• Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,517.00/month (Range 43, Step G) – $5,111.00/month (Step L); 6-month progression.
• Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,746.00/month (Step F) – $5,506.00/month (Step L); 6-month progression.
• Public Benefits Specialist 3: $5,240.00/month (Step G) – $5,928.00/month (Step L).

Salary increases as the employee successfully progresses in training.