DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Port Townsend (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services in Port Townsend, WA is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4, Lead Worker to guide a team of PBS staff in processing cash, medical, and food benefits. You will assign work, audit performance, coach staff, and handle complex eligibility tasks, including overpayments and referrals to Financial Recovery.

The role requires extensive knowledge of WAC, strong computer skills, and the ability to manage multiple cases with high accuracy.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and manuals to determine eligibility.
• Proficient with the Community Service Division computer programs.
• Ability to review data in state computer systems for accurate decisions.
• Strong emphasis on respectful public service and documentation integrity.
• Experience planning multiple financial cases with timely completion.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Public Benefits Specialists in processing cash, medical, and food benefits.
• Assign work, audit performance, and coach staff on best practices.
• Establish financial eligibility and interpret rules for complex cases.
• Verify overpayments and refer to the Office of Financial Recovery.
• Develop procedures, reports, and workflow improvements.
• Engage with staff, agencies, and the community to clarify information.
• Review cases for accuracy and analyze case actions.

Skills

WAC knowledge

Computer systems proficiency

Auditing and quality assurance

Team supervision

Eligibility analysis

Customer service

Case management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher + 12 months PBS2 experience

5 years combined higher ed / experience substitution

Job description

DSHS ESA CSD – Public Benefits Specialist 4, Lead Worker

Elevate your career in a lead role that truly makes a difference! The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division , has an opportunity as a Public Benefit Specialist 4 (PBS4)to join our team in Port Townsend, WA. This position works full-time in the Port Townsend Community Services Office (CSO), providing hands‑on support and leadership to staff and clients alike.

As a Lead Worker, you’ll take on a critical role in guiding and supporting a team of Public Benefits Specialists who process cash, medical, and food benefits. You will be responsible for assigning work, conducting thorough audits, and ensuring that both new and experienced staff maintain high standards in service delivery. By identifying error trends and providing targeted coaching, you’ll help shape the development and efficiency of the team. In addition to leading a team, you’ll perform complex tasks such as establishing financial eligibility, interpreting rules, and developing procedures. Your expertise will also be crucial in verifying overpayments, making referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery, and reviewing cases for accuracy. You'll engage with staff, agencies, and the community to clarify information and support clients throughout their application process. This position is a specialist level and independently provides intensive and expert eligibility services and professional case planning for a broad range of individuals seeking specialty program services through the Community Services Division. This position is expected to possess a high level of proficiency in CSD-administered public assistance programs.

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Some of what you'll do:

• Assign work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits.
• Perform more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development.
• Verify and establish overpayments and complete referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
• Audit and review the work of Public Benefits Specialist staff.
• Establish reports and recommendations to supervisor surrounding staff progress.
• Detect error trends through audits to identify training needs.
• Serve as a job coach for staff.
• Maintain and review procedures for efficient workflow.
• Review cases and independently analyze case actions for accuracy. Contacts staff, agencies and the community as necessary for clarifying information.
• Use basic understanding of the administrative hearing process to review cases and to help decide if a hearing request can be settled prior to submission.
• Assist customers with the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF} system on behalf of the clients.
• Investigate and resolves customer complaints.
• Conducts Orientation for Community Services division programs.
• Determines each client eligibility and appropriateness for public assistance programs, including but not limited to Diversion Cash Assistance and performs more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility.
• Screens and refers clients for more intensive services such as: Domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health, employment and training services etc.
• Develops, revises, monitors and updates case plans.
• Identifies, analyzes and discusses client circumstances and refers to community resources and contractors to remove barriers and to support employment.
• Assesses the need for and authorizes appropriate support services.
• Analyzes and verifies complex legal documents and other forms of documentation to determine appropriate programs and service options available to clients.

What We're Looking For

• Possess extensive knowledge of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and procedural manuals needed to determine eligibility for all programs administered by CSD.
• Proficiently utilize all computer programs in use by the Community Service Division.
• Frequently review data found in the State’s computer systems to make accurate decisions.
• Interact with all DSHS staff and serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy and responsiveness.
• Independently plan and manage multiple financial cases or projects to be completed within specified timelines.
• Stay calm under pressure, and effectively manage the stress of the job.
• Work effectively in a fast‑paced environment, and be able to demonstrate flexibility in completing multiple assignments while meeting performance standards.

Who should apply?

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

OR

• 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.

OR

• 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.

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 (Neopolitsey) 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.

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