Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 In-Training (PBS1-3) - Richland

About the role

The Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 In-Training (PBS1-3) position at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in Richland, WA, provides direct customer service in a fast-paced call center environment. The role involves helping families access affordable childcare services through Washington State's Child Care Subsidy Program.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intensive interviews with customers to determine eligibility for services, or continued eligibility when notifying the program of changes of circumstances for Child Care benefits.
• Process Child Care applications received from the Washington Connection online applications, in the Document Management System (DMS), and through interactive interviews.
• Analyze collected oral and written information to determine accurate benefits and continued program eligibility.
• Finalize Child Care applications and reapplications with information received and verified for accurate determination of eligibility.
• Refer clients to both mandatory and optional services, including to other agencies as required.
• Take actions necessary to ensure that limited English proficient clients receive properly translated forms and translation services from state certified, contracted translators and interpreters.
• Authorize Working Connections Child Care Subsidy payment to approved Licensed facilities and Family Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Subsidy Providers through the Social Services Payment System (SSPS).
• Compute and initiate overpayments and client notifications when necessary.
• Issue reimbursements and benefits when appropriate to correct under issuances.
• Aid Child Care Providers with subsidy payment information and other requirements to receive subsidy.

Requirements

• One (1) year of experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs.
• A bachelor’s degree AND Experience examining/processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or in a customer service job where the major duties involve public contact, or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination will substitute, year for year, for education.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Qualifications

• Public Benefits Specialist 1 (PBS1): (G) $4,517 - $5,111 monthly
• Public Benefits Specialist 2 (PBS2): (F) $4,746 - $5,506 monthly
• Public Benefits Specialist 3 (PBS3): (E) $4,980 - $5,928 monthly

Skills

Strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to make independent decisions while navigating complex eligibility requirements. Prior experience determining eligibility for public programs is preferred.

Benefits

Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training, and other compensation benefits.

Pay

$4,517 - $5,928 monthly

Schedule

Hybrid – 1661 Fowler St, Richland, WA 99352