DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Omak (WA); Presencial; USD 54.000 - 71.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services in Omak, WA, is seeking an entry-level Public Benefits Specialist to help individuals and families access Financial, Food, Medicaid, and Child Care benefits. The role includes on-site work with training provided and collaboration with the Community Services Office.

The position emphasizes compassionate client service, strong communication, and the ability to work in a structured environment while learning complex eligibility regulations

Formación

• Four years in a customer service job involving public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determination (education may substitute year-for-year).
• One year of equivalent experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance programs.

Responsabilidades

• 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 applications and case actions per federal and state requirements based on household income and size.
• Explain program requirements and procedures, and answer client questions about benefits or services.

Conocimientos

Customer service

Eligibility determination

Interviewing

Data gathering

Computer literacy

Descripción del empleo

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 Omak 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.

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.

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:

• 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

Supplemental Information

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.

The 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 (NEPOTISM) 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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