DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

About the role

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

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 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.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment, and be able to demonstrate flexibility in completing multiple assignments while meeting performance standards.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Total must include at least one year’s equivalent work experience.
• Examples of equivalent experience include but are not limited to: Providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities, Experience 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.