DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 3

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay (King County)

Job summary

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in Spokane is seeking an entry-level Public Benefits Specialist. Training is provided as you learn to determine eligibility for Financial, SNAP, and Medicaid programs.

You will conduct interviews, review information, and process applications using state systems. The role emphasizes client communication, accuracy, and compliance within a busy public service setting.

Qualifications

• Thrives in a standardized work setting.
• Able to learn and utilize various computer programs.
• Communicate effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations.
• Can work with complex technical regulations and procedures.
• Will refrain from personal bias when determining eligibility.
• Capable of prioritizing and performing multiple tasks in a busy office.

Responsibilities

• Use internal software to process initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, 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.
• Explain program requirements and verification needs to clients.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Multitasking

Deescalation

Tools

Computer programs

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 Spokane Maple CSO. 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.

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.

Questions?

Please contact [e-mail] OR call Talent Acquisition main line [phone] and reference job number 08523.

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 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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