DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

About the role

The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) offers an opportunity for Public Benefits Specialists 4 (PBS4) - Case Planning and Support Specialist (CPSS) to join the Virtual Case Management Center team. As a Case Planning and Support Specialist, you’ll serve as the go-to expert for clients navigating challenging life circumstances and public support systems. You’ll assess eligibility for multiple assistance programs, develop tailored case plans, and coordinate with partners across healthcare, housing, employment, and more.

Responsibilities

• Independently determine and re-determine client eligibility for CSD-administered public assistance programs.
• Conduct intensive interviews with clients and orientations to specialty programs.
• Perform complex duties related to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development.
• Verify and establish overpayments and complete referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
• Provide professional case management, assess needs, and develop service plans and referrals for clients seeking BFET, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and other public assistance programs.
• Monitor client progress, update service plans, assist with removing barriers to participation, and provide referrals for appropriate services.
• Read and interpret Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Revised Code of Washington (RCW), procedural manuals, policies, and policy clarifications.
• Participate in supervisor-approved, community-based activities for outreach, mission advancement, cultural competence, skills training, and partnership-building with tribes, state agencies, and community-based organizations.
• Attend unit meetings, all-staff meetings, trainings, and other required administrative meetings.

Requirements

• Twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
• OR 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.
• OR five 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 to historically marginalized communities.
  • Examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims.
  • Providing staff support in financial eligibility determination or analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data.
• Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
• Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance programs may be considered.

Skills

• Eligibility expertise: Deep knowledge of Washington’s public assistance programs and ability to assess and re-determine eligibility accurately.
• Policy fluency: Comfort navigating and applying WAC, RCW, and internal procedural manuals.
• Case planning insight: Ability to build realistic, trauma-informed service plans tailored to each client’s context.
• Analytical skills: Interpreting complex data and documentation to make high-stakes decisions with precision.
• Communication: Clear, respectful, and empathetic communication, especially in high-tension situations.
• Crisis navigation: Ability to work with people in distress while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Resilience and flexibility: Adapting to shifting programs and priorities while managing multiple tasks without burnout.

Benefits

• Pierce County and Snohomish County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
• King County employees receive a 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible for a free ORCA card for transportation use.

Job number: 06552. Prior to hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license and liability insurance if using a privately owned vehicle.