DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

About the role

The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) has an opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4). This specialist-level position independently provides intensive and expert eligibility services and professional case planning for a broad range of individuals seeking specialty program services through the Community Services Division. The role requires a high level of proficiency in CSD-administered public assistance programs.

Responsibilities

• Conducts orientation for Community Services Division programs.
• Determines each client's eligibility and appropriateness for public assistance programs, including but not limited to Diversion Cash Assistance; performs more complex duties related to establishing financial eligibility.
• Screens and refers clients for more intensive services such as domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health, employment and training services.
• Develops, revises, monitors, and updates case plans; identifies, analyzes, and discusses client circumstances and refers to community resources and contractors to remove barriers and support employment.
• Assesses the need for and authorizes appropriate support services.
• Analyzes and verifies complex legal documents and other documentation to determine appropriate programs and service options.
• Independently determines and re-determines client eligibility for CSD-administered public assistance programs.
• Conducts intensive interviews with clients.
• Conducts orientations to specialty programs.
• Performs more complex duties related to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development.
• Verifies and establishes overpayments and completes referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
• Provides professional case management, assesses needs, and develops service plans and referrals to appropriate programs and services for clients seeking BFET, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and other applicable public assistance programs.
• Monitors client progress and updates service plans; assists with removing barriers to participation and provides referrals for appropriate services.
• Works closely with employment, training, and educational providers to coordinate case plans and services for CSD program participants.
• Inputs and receives data using multiple automated systems to perform eligibility and case planning/management work.
• Maintains confidentiality of client data.
• Analyzes written and oral information for impact on client eligibility and service plans, changes in policy or procedures, or other necessary action.
• Obtains and reviews necessary case documentation and verification to determine eligibility and appropriate service plan options.
• Reads and interprets Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Revised Code of Washington (RCW), procedural manuals, policies, and policy clarifications.
• Works within timeframes and deadlines dictated by program requirements and adheres to performance measures set by the agency.
• Contacts DSHS staff, partner agencies, and the community as necessary for clarifying information.
• Answers all questions regarding benefits or available services; explains program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs.
• Processes all case actions in accordance with Federal and State processing and accuracy requirements.
• As assigned, participates in supervisor-approved, community-based activities for outreach, furthering the department's mission, increasing knowledge and cultural competence, skills training and development, strengthening partnerships, and connecting with tribes, other state agencies, and community-based organizations.
• Ensures limited English proficient (LEP) services from certified contracted translators are utilized when providing services to non-English speaking clients.
• Assists customers with applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of clients.
• Participates in home or alternate site visits to evaluate situations and conduct assessments of vulnerable and disabled applicants, recipients, and/or children when clients are unable or unwilling to come into the CSO due to lack of understanding, non-compliance, or physical or mental disability.

Requirements

• Exceptional understanding of eligibility, Community Services Division processes, and appropriate computer programs (ACES, ACES Online, Barcode, e-Jas, ICMS, Washington Connections).
• Extensive and specialized financial knowledge; ability to interpret public laws and policies and make independent decisions.
• Extensive knowledge of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and procedural manuals needed to determine eligibility for all programs administered by CSD.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; outstanding customer service by phone.
• Ability to maintain quality and productivity levels.
• Ability to assist others in interpretation and analysis of data.
• Proficient utilization of all computer programs in use by Community Service Division; frequently reviews data in the State's computer systems to make accurate decisions.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and effectively manage job stress.
• Seeks clarification of rules, policies, and procedures from supervisor, trainers, and/or program managers when appropriate.
• Analyzes written and oral information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
• OR Bachelor's degree or higher AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for long-term care services.
• Equivalent education/experience: Experience examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information, will substitute year for year for education and experience.
• Satisfactory completion of the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
• Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance (including financial, medical, and food benefit programs) will be considered toward experience.

Contact: peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov or 360-725-5810 (reference job #08757). Background check required prior to hire. This announcement may fill multiple vacancies. Valid driver's license and liability insurance required for driving on state business.