DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 (Case Planning & Support Specialist)

State of Washington; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) – ESA invites applications for a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) – Case Planning and Support Specialist at the Columbia River Community Service Office in Vancouver, WA. This full-time, in-office role leads client assessments for cash, food, and medical programs and develops tailored case plans to connect people with needed services.

You’ll collaborate across healthcare, housing, and employment, manage complex paperwork,

Qualifications

• Eligibility expertise – deep knowledge of Washington public assistance programs.
• Policy fluency – ability to interpret WAC, RCW and manuals.
• Case planning insight – trauma‑informed, realistic service plans.
• Analytical skills – interpret complex data for decisions.
• Communication – clear, empathetic, professional communication.
• Crisis navigation – handle distressed clients with boundaries.
• Resilience and adaptability – manage shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for cash, food, and medical programs.
• Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans.
• Coordinate with housing, health, employment services and partners.
• Review documents to determine program fit and authorize services.
• Maintain case notes in multiple systems and ensure compliance.
• Respond to audits and advocate for clients as needed.
• Participate in outreach efforts and client advocacy.

Skills

Eligibility expertise

Policy fluency

Case planning insight

Analytical skills

Communication

Crisis navigation

Resilience and adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

DSHS ESA – Case Planning and Support Specialist

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

As a Case Planning and Support Specialist, you’ll be the go‑to expert for clients navigating challenging life circumstances and the public systems designed to support them. This is the perfect role for someone who can read between the lines, build trust quickly, and connect individuals to the right mix of services, at the right time. You’ll assess eligibility for multiple assistance programs, develop tailored case plans, and coordinate with partners across healthcare, housing, employment, and more. Every day is varied. Every decision matters. You’ll need excellent judgment, a strong grasp of policy, and the ability to manage complexity with care.

When you work for DSHS, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians.

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:

Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for public assistance, including cash, food, and medical programs.
• Facilitate program orientations and explain benefit pathways clearly and empathetically.
• Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans to address barriers and support employment goals.
• Refer clients to services such as domestic violence support, substance use treatment, mental health counselling, housing, and job training.
• Coordinate with external agencies and service providers to align support plans.
• Review and interpret complex documents—court orders, leases, medical notes—to determine appropriate program fit.
• Authorize and track supportive services such as transportation, childcare, or work clothing.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date case notes and documentation in multiple systems (ACES, Barcode, eJAS, HPF, etc.).
• Respond to case audits, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Participate in outreach efforts, home visits, and client advocacy as needed.

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.
• Case planning insight – Strong understanding of how to build service plans that are realistic, trauma‑informed, and grounded in each client’s context.
• 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.

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: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday

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.

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 (Neb?) 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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