DSHS HCLA Public Benefits Specialist

Overview

HCLA Public Benefits Specialist 1, 2, 4 In-Training — Home and Community Services (HCS) is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist (PBS) in Renton, WA. As an PBS, you will provide comprehensive consultation about complex eligibility qualifications and skilled financial guidance to high-risk clients who are financially and medically dependent upon a full range of services and supports. As a Public Benefits Specialist In-Training, you will have the chance to learn while you share your knowledge to help those in need.

Home & Community Living Administration (HCLA) promotes, plans, develops, and provides an array of long-term services and supports to people who have disabilities, are seniors, or have caregivers to maximize their independence, dignity, and quality of life.

• Determine ongoing eligibility for Long-Term Services and Support programs, which include hospice, institutional care, and HCB Waiver Services.
• Conduct intensive, confidential in-person and telephone interviews with clients, client representatives, attorneys, medical providers, and guardians; arrange accessibility, reasonable accommodations, or interpreters when necessary.
• Recognize and recalculate incorrect payments of grants, food benefits, medical assistance, and Long-Term Services and Supports.
• Provide professional case management.
• Input and receive data using multiple computer systems.
• Analyze written and oral information received and legal documents, including court orders, contracts, insurance policies, trusts, life estates, and promissory notes.
• Interpret the Washington Administrative Code, Revised Code of Washington, procedural manuals, policies, and policy clarifications.
• Use the statewide asset verification and real property database to evaluate the impacts of real property transfers, quit claims, and sales.
• Respond to case audits and make corrections.

A career in public service can be demanding yet rewarding. You will receive formal training both in the classroom and on the job to progressively advance within a 24-month period from a Public Benefits Specialist 1 to a Public Benefits Specialist
4. Those hired will be appointed to the appropriate level based on experience and prior training. Advancement is based on completion of each step.

• Compassionate people with four years of equivalent work experience in financial services (e.g., examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims) or in a customer service role involving public contact or support in financial eligibility determination.
• Or one year of equivalent out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance including financial, medical, and food stamp programs.
• Or a bacheloregree ready to learn and enhance skills to become a Public Benefits Specialist.

• Thrives in a standardized work setting.
• Familiarity with using various computer programs.
• Communicate effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, engaging with individuals with communication barriers, assisting underserved populations, and discussing private and sensitive options in person and over the phone.
• Ability to work with complex technical regulations and interpret complex situations.
• Refrain from personal bias when determining eligibility.
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a busy office with interruptions.

The goal class for this role is Public Benefits Specialist 4. We may consider PBS 1 or PBS 2 with a training plan to advance to PBS 4. Starting salary depends on qualifications. Salary progression in training steps:

• Public Benefits Specialist 1: $3,840.00 – $5,011.00
• Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,119.00 – $5,398.00
• Public Benefits Specialist 4*: $4,653.00 – $6,107.00
• There is no HCLA PBS 3 level.

King County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. The department notes that Washington state offers a comprehensive benefits package. See the full benefits description in this posting.

Questions? Please contact DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle ngle.gov and reference job number #00088. Supplemental information includes background checks and driving requirements as applicable. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. EEO statements and accommodations information are provided as required. See the posting for benefits details and contact information for accessibility requests.

Updated 01-07-2026

Required education/experience descriptions (questions 01 and 02) provide options for candidates to self-identify alignment with the role.

DSHS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment. For accommodation requests or alternative formats, contact the Recruiter. E-Verify is used where required.