DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4
About the role
Elevate your career in a lead role that truly makes a difference! The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division, has an opportunity as a temporary Public Benefit Specialist 4 (PBS4) to join our team at Pierce East in Puyallup but the work location will be in Tacoma, WA.
This position will provide hands-on support and leadership to staff and clients alike. As a Lead Worker, you’ll take on a critical role in guiding and supporting a team of Public Benefits Specialists who process cash, medical, and food benefits.
Responsibilities
- Assisting in assigning 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 for supervisors 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
- Contacts 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 in the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of the clients
- Investigate and resolves 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
- Must have regular and predictable attendance Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm
Qualifications
Professionals with 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.
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 services 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 analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information
AND Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program
Benefits
Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.