DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 (Auditor/Job Coach)

State of Washington; Spokane (WA); Vor Ort; USD 75.000 - 95.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) ESA – Public Benefits Specialist 4, Auditor/Job Coach leads regional auditing teams to ensure accurate eligibility determinations for cash, food, and medical assistance across Region 1. You will assign work, conduct audits, and coach staff to improve accuracy, quality, and customer service.

You will interpret Washington Administrative Code, review cases, verify overpayments, and coordinate with agencies and clients through the

Qualifikationen

• Knowledge of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and program policies.
• Proficiency with computer systems to process cases and research information.
• Ability to analyze complex data from multiple sources for accurate actions.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with clients and partners.
• Ability to manage a high-volume workload and meet deadlines.

Aufgaben

• Lead and coordinate Public Benefits Specialist staff handling cash, food, and medical benefits.
• Provide guidance on eligibility determinations, policy interpretation, and procedures.

Kenntnisse

WAC knowledge

Policy interpretation

Data analysis

Customer service

Prioritization

Resilience

Adaptability

Ausbildung

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Tools

Office software

Case management systems

Jobbeschreibung

DSHS ESA – Public Benefits Specialist 4, Auditor/Job Coach

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, Auditor/Job Coach (PBS4) to join our Regional Auditing Team in Region 1 HQ. The selected candidates will report to the Regional Financial Coordinator and Training Manager. The duty station may be located anywhere within Region 1.

As an Auditor/Job Coach, you will serve as an auditor and job coach, providing guidance and oversight to Public Benefit Specialists who determine eligibility for cash, food, and medical assistance programs throughout Region 1. You will assign work, conduct thorough audits, and support both new and experienced staff in maintaining high standards of accuracy, quality, and customer service. By identifying error trends, delivering targeted coaching, and reinforcing program policies and procedures, you will play a key role in strengthening staff performance, improving service delivery, and promoting consistency and efficiency across Region 1.

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, coordinate, and monitor the work of Public Benefits Specialist staff processing cash, food, and medical assistance benefits.
• Provide guidance on complex eligibility determinations, policy interpretation, and procedural implementation.
• Conduct audits and case reviews to ensure accuracy, identify error trends, and recommend corrective actions and training opportunities.
• Verify and establish overpayments and complete referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
• Coach, train, and support staff to promote professional development and program compliance.
• Review and improve procedures to maintain efficient workflows and consistent service delivery.
• Resolve customer concerns, assist with eligibility-related issues, and support administrative hearing preparation and case resolution.

What we’re looking for:

• Knowledge of Washington Administrative Code (WAC), policies, and procedures used to determine eligibility for Community Services Division programs.
• Proficiency using computer systems and applications to process cases, research information, and make accurate eligibility decisions.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex data from multiple sources to ensure accurate and timely case actions.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to interact professionally and respectfully with clients, coworkers, and community partners.
• Ability to independently prioritize and manage a high-volume workload while meeting established deadlines.
• Resilience and professionalism when working in high-pressure situations and handling challenging customer interactions.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and effectively manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment while meeting performance expectations.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ 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.

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 (Necros) 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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