DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

About the role

The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD), has an opportunity as a Public Benefit Specialist 4 (PBS4) to join our team in Seattle, WA. This position works full time in the Capitol Hill Community Services Office (CSO), providing hands-on support and leadership to staff and clients alike.

Responsibilities

• Assign work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits
• Perform more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development
• Verify and establish overpayments and complete referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery
• Audit and review the work of Public Benefits Specialist staff. Establish reports and recommendations to supervisor surrounding staff progress
• Detect error trends through audits to identify training needs
• Serve as a job coach for staff
• Maintain and review procedures for efficient workflow
• Review cases and independently analyze case actions for accuracy
• Contact staff, agencies and the community as necessary for clarifying information
• Use basic understanding of the administrative hearing process to review cases and to help decide if a hearing request can be settled prior to submission
• Assist customers with the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF} system on behalf of the clients
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints

Requirements

• Possess extensive knowledge of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and procedural manuals needed to determine eligibility for all programs administered by CSD
• Proficiently utilize all computer programs in use by the Community Service Division
• Frequently review data found in the State’s computer systems to make accurate decisions
• Interact with all DSHS staff and serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy and responsiveness
• Independently plan and manage multiple financial cases or projects to be completed within specified timelines
• Stay calm under pressure, and effectively manage the stress of the job
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment, and be able to demonstrate flexibility in completing multiple assignments while meeting performance standards

Qualifications

• 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 may substitute for degree and PBS work experience requirements

Skills

• Knowledge of WAC and procedural manuals
• Proficiency in computer programs
• Ability to interact with diverse groups
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills

Benefits

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

Pay

• $49.44 - $61.81 per hour

Schedule

• 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Monday through Friday

Additional Information

• Work Schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Monday through Friday
• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use

Who should apply?

• Professionals with 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 may substitute for degree and PBS work experience requirements

Questions?

• Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez at saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #05604

Supplemental Information

• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted
• The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work
• We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security