DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 3

State of Washington; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 is an entry-level, on-site role in Tacoma, WA. Training is provided as you learn to determine eligibility for financial assistance, SNAP, and Medicaid, through interviews and document reviews.

You’ll engage with diverse clients, handle applications online and via phone, and grow through classroom training while progressing through specialist levels with defined salary steps.

Qualifications

• Four years in a customer service role with public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determinations.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience and education totaling four years.
• Ability to learn and use multiple computer programs relevant to eligibility processing.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for diverse client populations.

Responsibilities

• Process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, SNAP, and Medicaid programs.
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.
• Gather and review data, documents, and verifications for benefit programs.
• Process applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements.
• Explain program requirements and procedures to clients and answer questions.

Skills

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Education

Four years in a customer service job with public contact

Bachelor's degree

Combination of experience and education totaling four years

One year of the above experience and education totaling four years

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 Tacoma, 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

OR

• A bachelor's degree

OR

• A combination of years of the above experience and education totaling four years

OR

• One year of years of the above experience and education totaling four years

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)

Questions? Please contact [e-mail] OR call Talent Acquisition main line [phone] and reference job number 07921.

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 (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