DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 3

About the role

This role involves working on-site at our community services office located in Newport, WA. You will help people applying for public assistance services through face-to-face interactions and over the phone. You'll determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews, obtaining information from individuals and third parties. You will also process applications received online and process all case actions using the appropriate computer programs.

Responsibilities

• Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and on-going eligibility determinations for Financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility
• Gather and review data, application and other documents, 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
• A bachelor's degree
• A combination of years of the above experience and education totaling four years
• One year of the above experience and education totaling four years

Qualifications

• Education and/or experience as listed below:

• 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
• A bachelor's degree
• A combination of years of the above experience and education totaling four years
• One year of the above experience and education totaling four years

Skills

• Compassion
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to work with complex technical regulations and procedures
• Ability to prioritize and perform 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

• Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,093.00 Step G – $4,632.00 Step L
• Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,299.00 Step D – $5,241.00 Step L
• Public Benefits Specialist 3: $4,740.00 Step E – $5,643.00 Step L

Schedule

The position starts in-training during the first 15 or more months. During this time, the salary range outlined below is the standard salary progression at the completion of each phase in the training period. Hiring supervisors determine the in-training start level and salary range based on the candidate’s professional work experience and/or educational background.