DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 3

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay (King County)

Free ORCA card

Job summary

The State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 is an entry-level, full-time opportunity based in Bellevue, WA, with comprehensive training provided. You will assess eligibility for Financial, SNAP, and Medicaid programs through face-to-face and phone interviews and process applications using internal systems.

As a Public Benefits Specialist, you’ll learn to conduct intensive interviews, gather data, and determine eligibility in line

Qualifications

• Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determinations 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.
• Able to learn and utilize various computer programs
• Able to communicate effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others and assisting underserved populations
• Capable of prioritizing and performing multiple tasks in a busy office with interruptions

Responsibilities

• Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and on-going eligibility determinations for Financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility
• Gather and review data, application and other documents, 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, procedures, and verification needs to clients

Skills

Customer service

Interviewing

Eligibility determination

Data gathering

Communication

Tools

Internal software systems

Job description

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

Economic Services Administration (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) 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 Bellevue, WA. When you work for DSHS’s 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.

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

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, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility
• Gather and review data, application and other documents, 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 virtual 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.

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
• Will refrain from personal bias when determining eligibility
• Is competent to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions

NOTE:

This position starts in‑training during the first 15 or more months. During this time, the salary range outlined below is the standard salary progression at the completion of each phase in the training period. Hiring supervisors determine the in‑training start level and salary range based on the candidate’s professional work experience and/or educational background.

Salary Ranges:

Public Benefits Specialist 1 ($4,093.00 Step G – $4,632.00 Step L)

Public Benefits Specialist 2 ($4,299.00 Step D – $5,241.00 Step L)

Public Benefits Specialist 3 ($4,740.00 Step E – $5,643.00 Step L)

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.

Ready to start a rewarding career?

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 (Necotism) 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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