DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

This position works full-time in the office at the Pierce North Community Service Office in Tacoma, WA, providing hands-on support and leadership to staff and clients alike. As a Case Planning and Support Specialist, you’ll be the go-to expert for clients navigating challenging life circumstances and the public systems designed to support them.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for public assistance, including cash, food, and medical programs.
• Facilitate program orientations and explain benefit pathways clearly and empathetically.
• Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans to address barriers and support employment goals.
• Refer clients to services such as domestic violence support, substance use treatment, mental health counseling, housing, and job training.
• Coordinate with external agencies and service providers to align support plans.
• Review and interpret complex documents—court orders, leases, medical notes—to determine appropriate program fit.
• Authorize and track supportive services such as transportation, childcare, or work clothing.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes and documentation in multiple systems (ACES, Barcode, eJAS, HPF, etc.).
• Respond to case audits, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Participate in outreach efforts, home visits, and client advocacy as needed.

Requirements

• Eligibility expertise – Deep knowledge of Washington’s public assistance programs and the ability to assess and re-determine eligibility with accuracy.
• Policy fluency – Comfort navigating and applying WAC, RCW, and internal procedural manuals to ensure services are legally sound.
• Case planning insight – Strong understanding of how to build service plans that are realistic, trauma-informed, and grounded in each client’s context.
• Analytical skills – Interpreting complex data and documentation to make fast, high-stakes decisions with precision.
• Communication – Clear, respectful, and empathetic communication, especially when explaining tough decisions or diffusing high-tension situations.
• Crisis navigation – Ability to work with people in distress while maintaining calm, clear-headed, and professional boundaries.
• Resilience and flexibility – Adaptability to shifting programs and priorities, managing multiple tasks without burning out.

Qualifications

Professionals with one of the following:

• 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, including at least one year of equivalent work experience. Examples include:
  • Providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities.
  • Examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance, or rehabilitation claims.
  • Unemployment insurance claims.
  • Staff support in financial eligibility determination or analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data.

AND satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.

Schedule

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

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