DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Tacoma (WA); Híbrido; USD 50.000 - 57.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Orca Card transportation

Descripción de la vacante

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is hiring for Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 in the ESA Community Service Division. The role offers hybrid work and on-the-job training as you process eligibility for Financial, Food, Medicaid, and other benefits across Washington state.

Starting salary in training is a minimum $4,517 per month (range $4,517–$5,111) with progression as training advances.

Formación

• Four years in a customer service job with public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determination such as processing loan applications or unemployment insurance claims.
• One year of equivalent out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance, including financial, medical and food benefit programs.

Responsabilidades

• Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility 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 in relation 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, procedures, and verification needs to clients.

Conocimientos

Customer service

Communication

Educación

Experience in public assistance eligibility

Herramientas

Internal eligibility software

Descripción del empleo

DSHS ESA - Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

The Economic Services Administration (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) is hiring for multiple Public Benefits Specialist roles, with training provided to join their team. This role involves working in person and remotely for our statewide call center. When you work for DSHS CSD, 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.

This is a hybrid position, so in the beginning the incumbent will be in the office and move to teleworking based on training and progression. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

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 D – $5,506.00 Step L (6 months)
• Public Benefits Specialist 3 : $5,240.00 Step E – $5,928.00 Step L

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.

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

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.

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.

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 (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.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at [e-mail] and reference job number #08643.