DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

About the role

Every day, people across Washington state face hard moments. In those moments, the Washington State DSHS's Community Service Division (CSD) becomes a lifeline. As a Case Planning and Support Specialist in the Lakewood Community Services Office, you'll help individuals and families take the first step toward stability by guiding them through programs that provide essential support. This position blends careful analysis with human connection: you'll review financial information, verify documents, and determine eligibility for assistance programs while helping people build plans to remove barriers, find services, and move toward employment and self-sufficiency.

You will work independently to decide eligibility and handle complex case decisions, while also collaborating with community partners such as training providers and social service programs to coordinate services for people facing complex challenges. Your decisions ensure that assistance reaches those who need it and that public resources are used responsibly.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for public assistance, including cash, food, and medical programs.
• Determine and redetermine eligibility for assistance programs using program rules and careful document review.
• Conduct group and one-on-one orientations that explain programs clearly to new applicants.
• Develop, monitor, and update personalized case plans that address barriers and support employment goals.
• Connect people to housing support, mental health care, substance use treatment, job training, and other community services.
• Review and interpret documents such as court orders, leases, and medical notes to determine the right program fit.
• Authorize and track support services like transportation, childcare, or work clothing.
• Visit clients at home or another location when they cannot come into the office to complete assessments and connect them with services.
• Identify overpayments, refer them to the Office of Financial Recovery, respond to case audits, and act as a mandatory reporter when needed.
• Maintain accurate case notes and documentation across systems such as ACES, Barcode, eJAS, and the Health Plan Finder.

Requirements

Professionals with one of the following:

• Twelve 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.
• Five years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience may substitute for the degree and PBS work experience requirements, provided the total includes at least one year of equivalent work experience. Examples of equivalent experience 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.
  • Providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.

Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance, including financial, medical, and food benefit programs, will be considered toward experience. Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.

Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program is required.

Skills

• Eligibility expertise: Analyzes financial, legal, and personal documentation to determine and redetermine eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Policy interpretation: Applies Washington Administrative Code, Revised Code of Washington, and agency procedural manuals to ensure eligibility decisions meet federal and state requirements.
• Case planning: Develops and monitors service plans that address barriers to participation while connecting people to employment, training, and support services.
• Equity and cultural competence: Promotes equity and provides respectful, culturally responsive service to people from diverse backgrounds, using interpreter or translation services when needed.
• Analytical skills: Evaluates written and verbal information, identifies patterns, and decides on appropriate program actions or referrals based on the information gathered.
• Communication: Explains benefit programs, eligibility decisions, and program requirements clearly, while maintaining respectful interactions with people and partners.
• Crisis navigation: De-escalates difficult interactions and supports people experiencing stress or frustration, while maintaining professionalism and service standards.
• Confidentiality: Safeguards sensitive personal information by following strict privacy rules and ensuring client data is handled and shared appropriately.

Benefits

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