DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

About the role

The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) has an exciting opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) to join our team at the Community Service Office in Auburn, WA. This position works full-time in the office, providing hands-on support and leadership to staff and clients alike. The PBS4 serves as lead worker and is expected to possess a high level of proficiency in all public benefit programs. The position is responsible to audit, coach, train and guide lower level Public Benefits Specialists; also, performs case audits/reviews and observational audits. This position will have access to the Washington Health Plan Finder (HPF) system and Personal Identifiable Information (PII).

Responsibilities

• Assigns work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits
• Audits/reviews work of Public Benefits Specialist staff
• Conducts ongoing audits for new and experienced staff
• Establish reports and recommendations to supervisor on staff progress
• Detects error trends through audits to identify training needs
• 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
• 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
• Conduct intensive interviews when necessary to determine eligibility for financial, medical and/or food assistance benefits
• Process all case actions in accordance with Federal and State processing and accuracy requirements
• Supports local, office implementation of regional initiatives
• Provide feedback to regional training staff on training gaps
• Verifies and establishes overpayments and completes referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery

Qualifications

• 12 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
• 5 years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience may substitute for degree and PBS work experience requirements (must include at least one year’s 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
• Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program

Skills

• Eligibility expertise – deep knowledge of Washington’s public assistance programs and ability to assess and re-determine eligibility with accuracy
• Policy fluency – comfort navigating and applying WAC, RCW, and internal procedural manuals
• Analytical skills – interpreting complex data and documentation to make fast, high‑stakes decisions
• Communication – clear, respectful, and empathetic communication, especially when explaining tough decisions or diffusing high‑tension situations
• Crisis navigation – staying calm, clear‑headed, and grounded in professional boundaries when working with people in distress
• Resilience and flexibility – adapting quickly to shifting programs and priorities, managing multiple tasks, and maintaining high performance without burning out

Benefits

• King County employees receive a 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary
• Eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use

Schedule

Work schedule: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday