DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

About the role

The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division, is seeking a Public Benefit Specialist 4 (PBS4) to join our team at our Customer Service Contact Centers, Specialized Medical Unit. This role is a lead position where you’ll audit, coach, train, and guide lower-level Public Benefits Specialists.

Responsibilities

• Assigns work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits.
• Audits/reviews 100% of all cases that have met their Spenddown prior to approval. Conducts ongoing audits for new and experienced staff.
• Establishes reports and recommendations to supervisor on staff progress.
• Performs more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development.
• Reviews cases and independently analyzes case actions for accuracy. Contacts staff, agencies and the community as necessary for clarifying information.
• Uses basic understanding of the administrative hearing process to review cases and to help decide if a hearing request can be settled prior to submission and assures appropriate action is taken.
• Assists customers with the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of the clients.
• Investigates and resolves customer complaints. Reviews and coordinates resolution of case errors. Identifies and reports performance gaps.
• Works independently or with others to identify and carry out creative solutions to performance issues.
• Obtain and review necessary data, documentation and verification for Federal or State assistance as it relates to the individual’s specific circumstance.

Requirements

• Knowledgeable in Medical Eligibility as well as the Spenddown program and knowledge of Washington Administrative Code (WAC), policies, and procedures used to determine eligibility for Community Services Division programs.
• Proficiency using computer systems and applications to process cases, research information, and make accurate eligibility decisions.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to interact professionally and respectfully with clients, coworkers, and community partners.
• Ability to independently prioritize and manage a high-volume workload while meeting established deadlines.
• Resilience and professionalism when working in high-pressure situations and handling challenging customer interactions.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and effectively manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment while meeting performance expectations.

Qualifications

• 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
• A Bachelor’s degree or higher AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long-term care services.
• 5 years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience may substitute for degree and PBS work experience requirements.

Skills

• Knowledge of Medical Eligibility and Spenddown program.
• Proficiency in computer systems and applications.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage a high-volume workload.
• Resilience and professionalism in high-pressure situations.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and basic life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses.
• Basic life and long-term disability insurance.
• Dependent care assistance.
• Auto, boat, home, and renter insurance through payroll deduction.
• Washington State Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement and deferred compensation options.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
• Paid holidays and personal days.
• Sick leave accrual based on hours worked.

Pay

Details on pay structure and benefits will be provided upon hiring.

Schedule

Full-time schedule with benefits.