DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 (Case Planning & Support Specialist)

Job #08792 · King Eastside Community Services Office, Bellevue, WA · Full-time, in-office

About the role

The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) has an opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) – Case Planning and Support Specialist (CPSS). This position works full-time in the office, providing hands-on support and leadership to staff and clients. As a Case Planning and Support Specialist, you’ll be the go-to expert for clients navigating challenging life circumstances and the public systems designed to support them. You’ll assess eligibility for multiple assistance programs, develop tailored case plans, and coordinate with partners across healthcare, housing, employment, and more. Every day is varied. Every decision matters. You’ll need excellent judgment, a strong grasp of policy, and the ability to manage complexity with care.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for public assistance, including cash, food, and medical programs
• Facilitate program orientations and explain benefit pathways clearly and empathetically
• Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans to address barriers and support employment goals
• Refer clients to services such as domestic violence support, substance use treatment, mental health counselling, housing, and job training
• Coordinate with external agencies and service providers to align support plans
• Review and interpret complex documents—court orders, leases, medical notes—to determine appropriate program fit
• Authorize and track supportive services such as transportation, childcare, or work clothing
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes and documentation in multiple systems (ACES, Barcode, eJAS, HPF, etc.)
• Respond to case audits, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations
• Participate in outreach efforts, home visits, and client advocacy as needed

Requirements

Candidates must meet one of the following:

• 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 (must include at least one year’s equivalent work experience). Equivalent experience includes: 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 analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information

Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program is also required.

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
• Case planning insight – strong understanding of building service plans that are realistic, trauma-informed, and grounded in each client’s context
• Analytical skills – interpreting complex data and documentation to make fast, high-stakes decisions with precision
• Communication – clear, respectful, and empathetic communication, especially when explaining tough decisions or diffusing high-tension situations
• Crisis navigation – ability to stay calm, clear-headed, and grounded in professional boundaries when working with people in distress
• Resilience and flexibility – adapt quickly to shifting programs and priorities, manage multiple tasks, and maintain high performance without burning out

Schedule

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday (in-office)

Benefits

King County employees receive a 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible for a free ORCA card for transportation use.