DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay

Free ORCA card

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is seeking entry-level Public Benefits Specialists to join the Economic Services Administration in Seattle. This on-site, full-time role includes comprehensive training and a salary progression as you advance through the four specialist levels.

You will assess eligibility for Financial, Child Care, SNAP, and Medicaid by interviewing applicants, gathering documents, and processing online applications.

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service with public contact.
• Ability to conduct interviews and determine eligibility.
• Strong data gathering and verification skills.

Responsibilities

• Process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations.
• Conduct intensive interviews to determine eligibility.
• Gather and review data, applications, and verifications.
• Explain program requirements and answer client questions.
• Use internal software to manage case actions.

Skills

Customer service

Interviewing

Eligibility determination

Data gathering

Job description

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 Capitol Hill Community Services Office located in Seattle, 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

Requirements

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:

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.

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

• 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.

Note

• 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.

Questions?

Please contact DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez at [e-mail] and reference job number 09245.

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.

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.

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.

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