DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 5

Join to apply for the DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 5 role at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

The Economic Services Administration, Community Services Division has a leadership opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist Supervisor (PBS5) to join our team in Bellingham, WA. This role directly supervises and manages workflow and quality assurance for a unit of Public Benefits Specialists (PBS) and Case Planning Support Specialists (CPSS) within a Community Services Office (CSO).

This role is a fundamental part of maintaining accountability and integrity of all CSD programs by providing quality control and ensuring payment accuracy. The position influences outcomes and builds strategic partnerships with entities such as other state agencies and local community offices for the delivery of human services to individuals, families, and communities.

You’ll oversee staff responsible for Work First orientations, eligibility determinations, case planning, and referrals to specialized services. You will ensure accurate assessment of client needs, thorough review of complex documentation, and effective connection to community resources that help clients overcome barriers to employment. This position also requires access to the Washington Health Plan Finder (HPF) system and handling of personally identifiable information (PII).

Candidates must successfully pass a criminal background check in accordance with the Information Exchange Agreement No. 2013-02 between CMS and State-Based Exchanges.

• Supervise Public Benefits Specialists and Case Planning & Support Services staff, ensuring consistent, high-quality eligibility determinations, case planning and client support.
• Lead staff conducting Work First orientations and overseeing eligibility decisions for public assistance programs.
• Oversee case planning and client assessments to ensure accurate identification of needs, barriers, and service pathways.
• Guide staff in screening and referring clients to specialized services, including domestic violence support, mental‑health care, substance‑use treatment, and employment programs.
• Provide and coordinate technical and professional training, including onboarding through the Public Benefits Specialist Training program.
• Conduct regular unit meetings and 1:1 coaching sessions to support communication, performance, and staff development.
• Communicate policies, procedures, agency goals, and performance expectations to ensure alignment and accountability.
• Monitor, analyze, and assign workload and unit tasks to maintain efficient operations and meet performance standards.
• Complete employee performance appraisals and annual evaluations to support growth and ensure service quality.
• Ensure accurate review of complex documentation and support staff in making appropriate program and service decisions.
• Assist customers with Apple Health applications by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system when needed.
• Administer and adhere to collective bargaining agreements and personnel rules in all supervisory actions.
• Collaborate with leadership to analyze and improve policies and procedures, ensuring consistent and effective service delivery.
• Maintain strong partnerships with community organizations to support coordinated services and improve client outcomes.

• Ability to build effective working relationships with subordinate lead workers, administration officials, management team, service staff, partner agencies, contract providers, and the public.
• Effectively manage and maintain partnership relations with community partners.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate performance data, identify trends, create reports, and communicate findings and issues to stakeholders.
• Maintain working knowledge of eligibility for all public assistance programs.
• Ability to assist others in interpretation and analysis of data.

One year of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3 or 4.

OR
Three years of experience examining/processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims,…