DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

State of Washington; Monroe (WA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Orca Card

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 is an entry-level, on-site role in Monroe, WA, with training provided. The position offers a minimum monthly salary of $4,517 and a clear progression path within six months through higher steps and salaries.

Responsibilities include processing eligibility for Financial, Child Care, SNAP, and Medicaid programs, conducting intensive interviews, and gathering verification materials.

Qualifications

• Four years in a customer service role with public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determination (e.g., loans, medical insurance, rehab, unemployment).
• One year equivalent out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance programs.

Responsibilities

• Learn to process applications for initial and ongoing 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 based on household income and size.
• Explain program requirements and procedures to clients.

Skills

Effective communication

Software proficiency

Diversity sensitivity

Data analysis

Impartiality

Multitasking

Education

Four years in a customer service job (college substitution)

One year equivalent out-of-state experience in financial eligibility

Tools

Internal software

Job description

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

Economic Services Administration’s Community Service Division has an exciting entry-level position as a Public Benefits Specialist, with training provided. This role involves working on-site at our Community Services Office located in Monroe, WA. When you work for us, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians. This full-time career can be a gateway to a rewarding profession in public service.

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.

Salary Progression in Training Steps:

• 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

Snohomish county employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

We look forward to welcoming dedicated people who meet the minimum requirements listed below and are eager to make a difference. See why others like you have chosen a career with us:

Some 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.

We're looking for applicants who have the education and/or experience as listed below:

• 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 would like to hire someone who:

• Thrives in a standardized work setting.
• Is able to learn and utilize various computer programs.
• Can communicate effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, working with people who have communication challenges, assisting underserved populations, and discussing confidential and unpleasant options, in person and over the phone.
• Can work with complex technical regulations and procedures and analyze complex situations.
• Refrains from personal bias when determining eligibility.
• Prioritizes and performs multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions.

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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