DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

Washington State Health Care Authority; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Orca Card

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services seeks a Lead Public Benefits Specialist 4 to supervise and develop a team in the South Sound CSCC in Tacoma, WA. The role focuses on assigning work, auditing performance, coaching staff, and ensuring accurate processing of cash, medical, and food benefits.

As a lead, you’ll interpret rules, establish procedures, verify overpayments, and collaborate with staff, agencies, and clients to support the application process while maintaining high

Qualifications

• 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2.
• 5 years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience; at least one year of PBS-related work.
• Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.

Responsibilities

• Assign work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits.
• Perform complex duties in 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 PBS staff; report progress to supervisor.
• Detect error trends through audits to identify training needs; serve as job coach.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Auditing

Customer service

Case management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Public Benefits Specialist Training Program

Tools

WAC knowledge

Government systems

HPF system

Job description

DSHS ESA CSD – Public Benefits Specialist 4, Lead

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 Tacoma, WA. This position works full-time in the South Sound Customer Service Contact Center (CSCC), providing hands‑on support and leadership to staff and clients alike. The lead position rotates with other lead team members to come in office based on business needs, this can be required several times a month.

As a Leadworker, 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.

If you are an experienced professional ready to lead, mentor, and ensure the quality of public assistance services, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact within the Community Services Division.

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

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.

Additional information:

• Work schedule: Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week.
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Interested?

• An updated resume
• Letter of Interest
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez at [e-mail] and reference job number #07714.

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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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 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 (Download PDF reader). 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