DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

Description

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4, Lead worker (Named as Public Benefit Specialist 4 (PBS4)) – an opportunity in Seattle, WA. This full‑time position works in the Capitol Hill Community Services Office (CSO) and provides hands‑on support and leadership to staff and clients alike.

As a Lead worker, you will guide and support a team of Public Benefits Specialists, assign work, conduct thorough audits, and maintain high service standards. You will also establish financial eligibility, interpret rules, develop procedures, verify over payments, refer cases to the Office of Financial Recovery, and review cases for accuracy. You’ll engage with staff, agencies, and the community to clarify information and support clients.

• Assign work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits
• Perform more complex duties such as establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development
• Verify and establish over payments 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 regarding 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 clients
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints

• 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 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 within specified timelines
• Stay calm under pressure and effectively manage stress
• Work effectively in a fast‑paced environment and demonstrate flexibility in completing multiple assignments while meeting performance standards

• 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

• Work Schedule:
  
  8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use

Please submit an updated resume and three professional references with contact information to our recruiter.

Contact DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna a.gov and reference job number #01879
.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily…