DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) is hiring for an entry-level Public Benefits Specialist position with training provided. This role involves working on-site at our Community Services Office (CSO) in Everett, WA, helping people apply for public assistance services through face-to-face interactions and over the phone.

About the role

As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews, obtaining information from individuals and third parties, and processing applications received online. This full-time career offers a gateway to a rewarding profession in public service.

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 and review data, applications, and verification for each benefit program.
• Process all applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements.
• Explain program requirements, application procedures, verification needs, and answer questions regarding benefits or available services to clients.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• Ability to thrive in a standardized work setting.
• Capability to learn and utilize various computer programs.
• Effective communication skills for diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, working with people who have communication challenges, and assisting underserved populations.
• Ability to work with complex technical regulations and procedures and analyze complex situations.
• Commitment to refraining from personal bias when determining eligibility.
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions.

Pay

Those hired into the Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 training plan can expect a minimum monthly salary of $4,517 (Range 43, Step G). Salary progression is as follows:

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

Benefits

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

Additional Information

Prior to hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will be considered in determining suitability and competence but will not necessarily preclude employment. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license and liability insurance if using a privately owned vehicle.