DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

State of Washington

Auburn (WA)

On-site

USD 70,000 - 100,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay for King County staff

Free ORCA card for transportation

Job summary

State of Washington is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) to lead staff at the Community Service Office in Auburn, WA. This full-time in-office role focuses on expert eligibility, audits, and program compliance within public benefit programs.

The PBS4 will audit, coach, train, and guide staff, conduct case reviews, and work with HPF/PII systems. Strong analytical, policy, and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

Deep knowledge of Washington’s public assistance programs and eligibility determination.
Ability to navigate WAC, RCW, and internal manuals for lawful service.
Strong data interpretation for fast, high-stakes decisions.

Responsibilities

Assigns work to PBS staff processing cash, medical, and/or food benefits.
Audits/reviews work and establishes reports with supervisor guidance.
Detects error trends to identify training needs.
Performs complex duties in eligibility, rule interpretation, and procedural development.
Reviews cases and communicates with staff/agencies for clarifications.
Assists clients with Apple Healthcare applications via HPF.
Conducts intensive interviews to determine eligibility.
Process case actions per federal/state requirements.
Support local implementation of regional initiatives.
Provide feedback to regional training staff on gaps.
Verifies overpayments and referrals to Financial Recovery.

Skills

Eligibility expertise

Policy fluency

Analytical skills

Communication

Crisis navigation

Resilience & flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

12 months PBS3 experience

5 years higher education/experience substitute

Job description

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) has an exciting opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) to join our team at the Community Service Office in Auburn, WA. This position works full‑time in the office, providing hands‑on support and leadership to staff and clients alike.

Description

The PBS4 serves as lead worker and is expected to possess a high level of proficiency in all public benefit programs. The position is responsible to audit, coach, train and guide lower level Public Benefits Specialists; also, performs case audits/reviews and observational audits.

This position will have access to the Washington Health Plan Finder (HPF) system and Personal Identifiable Information (PII).

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Some of what you'll do:

Assigns work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits
Audits/reviews l work of Public Benefits Specialist staff. Conducts ongoing audits for new and experienced staff. Establish reports and recommendations to supervisor on staff progress
Detects error trends through audits to identify training needs
Performs more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development
Reviews cases and independently analyzes case actions for accuracy. Contacts staff, agencies and the community as necessary for clarifying information
Assists customers with the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of the clients
Conduct intensive interviews when necessary to determine eligibility for financial, Medical and/or food assistance benefits
Process all case actions in accordance with Federal and State processing and accuracy requirements
Supports local, office implementation of regional initiatives
Provide feedback to regional training staff on training gaps
Verifies and establishes overpayments and completes referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery

What We're Looking For

Eligibility expertise – You’ll need deep knowledge of Washington’s public assistance programs and the ability to assess and re-determine eligibility with accuracy
Policy fluency – Comfort navigating and applying WAC, RCW, and internal procedural manuals is essential to ensure services are legally sound
Analytical skills – You’ll be interpreting complex data and documentation to make fast, high‑stakes decisions—precision matters
Communication – Clear, respectful, and empathetic communication is key—especially when explaining tough decisions or diffusing high‑tension situations
Crisis navigation – This role regularly involves working with people in distress. You must stay calm, clear‑headed, and grounded in your professional boundaries
Resilience and flexibility – Programs shift. Priorities change. You need to adapt quickly, manage multiple tasks, and keep performance high without burning out

Who should apply?

Professionals with 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.

A Bachelor’s degree or higher AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long‑term care services.

5 years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience may substitute for degree and PBS work experience requirements. Total must include at least one year’s equivalent work experience. Examples of equivalent experience include but are not limited to:
- Providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities
- Experience examining/processing loan applications
- Medical insurance or rehabilitation claims
- Unemployment insurance claims
- Providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information

AND

Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.

Additional Information

Work schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
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.

Interested?

Along With Your Application, Please Include

An updated resume
Three professional references with contact information

Questions? Please reach out to sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725‑5810 and reference job number 08380.

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.

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 (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.

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More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full‑time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full‑time work (e.g. part‑time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full‑time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax‑deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‑term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well‑being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full‑time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 non‑overtime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part‑time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 non‑overtime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump‑sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Which of the following best describes your qualifications for this position?

I have at least 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
I have a Bachelor’s degree or higher AND at least 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long‑term care services.
I have a combined total of 5 years of higher education and/or equivalent experience, including at least 12 months of work experience equivalent to Public Benefits Specialist duties.
I do not meet the qualificationd listed above.

Please describe any background experience you have in the following areas:

Where did you learn about this job with DSHS ESA CSD?