DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

State of Washington; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington's Department of Social and Health Services in Bellingham seeks a Public Benefits Specialist I-III for hands-on eligibility determinations of financial, medical, food, and child care benefits. Training is provided and the position is on-site only.

The role involves face-to-face and phone interviews, data gathering, and processing applications using internal software. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential in this structured public service team.

Qualifications

• Four years in a customer service job with public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determination; college education can substitute year-for-year for experience.
• One year of equivalent out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance programs.

Responsibilities

• Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and on-going eligibility determinations for Financial, Child Care, SNAP, and Medicaid programs.
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.
• Gather and review data, applications, and verification for each benefit program.
• Process all applications and case actions per federal and state requirements by household income and size.
• Explain program requirements and procedures to clients and answer questions about benefits.

Education

Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination such as examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims.

One year of equivalent, out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs.

Job description

DSHS ESA – Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

Economic Services Administration’s Community Service Division has an exciting entry-level opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist, with training provided. This full-time position works on-site at our Community Services Office in Bellingham, WA, where you’ll help individuals and families access the benefits and resources they need. If you’re looking for a rewarding career in public service where your compassion and dedication can make a difference in the lives of fellow Washingtonians, this could be a great opportunity to get started.

As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will help people applying for public assistance services through face-to-face interactions and over the phone. You'll determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews, obtaining information from individuals and third parties. You will also process applications received online and process all case actions using the appropriate computer programs.

Note:

This is an in person only position, remote or hybrid is not available.

Some more of what you will do:

• Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and on-going eligibility determinations for Financial, Child Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs.
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.
• Gather and review data, applications, and verification for each benefit program as it relates to each person's circumstances.
• Process all applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements based on household income and size.
• Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs, as well as answer questions regarding benefits or available services to clients.

How you'll grow

A career in public service can be demanding yet rewarding. Your customers come from diverse backgrounds and speak many languages. There is a lot to learn, and classroom training is a big part of the beginning. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

See why others like you have chosen a career with us:

Who should apply?

We’re looking for dedicated individuals who meet the minimum qualifications below and are eager to make a difference.

• Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination such as examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims. (College education can substitute year-for-year for experience). OR
• One year of equivalent, out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs.

Desired:

We’re looking for someone who:

• Understands and applies complex technical regulations, policies, and procedures while analyzing individual circumstances and making eligibility determinations objectively.
• Communicates effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of situations, including de‑escalating difficult situations and communicating with individuals who may have communication challenges.
• Provides respectful and supportive service to underserved populations while discussing confidential, sensitive, or difficult topics in person and over the phone.
• Thrives in a structured and standardized work environment.
• Learns and effectively uses a variety of computer programs and systems.
• Prioritizes and manages multiple tasks in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions.

Salary progression & in‑training steps:

Those hired into the Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 training plan with ESA CSD can expect a minimum monthly salary of $4,517 (Range 43, Step G). This salary will increase as the employee successfully progresses in their training. Projected timelines and ranges for this progression are shown below.

• Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,517.00 Step G – $5,111.00 Step L (6 months)
• Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,746.00 Step F – $5,506.00 Step L (6 months)
• Public Benefits Specialist 3: $5,240.00 Step G – $5,928.00 Step L

Interested?

Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton at [e-mail] and reference job number #07908.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security. Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nebotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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