DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 (Lead)

State of Washington

Spokane (WA)

On-site

USD 80,000 - 95,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services in Spokane, WA seeks a PBS4 Leadworker to guide a team processing cash, food, and medical benefits. You’ll assign work, audit cases, and coach staff to improve accuracy and service delivery.

You’ll interpret rules, establish eligibility, and handle overpayments while coordinating with partners and clients through the application process. This role emphasizes leadership and program quality.

Qualifications

Knowledge of Washington Administrative Code and eligibility policies.
Proficiency with computer systems to process cases.
Ability to analyze data from multiple sources.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
Ability to manage high-volume workload with deadlines.

Responsibilities

Assign, coordinate, and monitor the work of PBS staff processing cash, food, and medical benefits.
Provide guidance on complex eligibility determinations and policy interpretation.
Conduct audits and case reviews to ensure accuracy and identify error trends.
Verify and establish overpayments and complete referrals to OFR.
Coach, train, and support staff to promote development and compliance.
Review and improve procedures to maintain efficient workflows.
Resolve customer concerns and support eligibility-related issues.

Skills

Policy interpretation

Leadership

Staff coaching

Customer service

Data analysis

Work prioritization

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Job description

Description

DSHS ESA – Public Benefits Specialist 4, Leadworker

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, Leadworker (PBS4) to join our team at the Spokane Maple Community Services Office in Spokane, WA.

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, 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.

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: Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week.

Questions

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #08458.

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.

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.

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 (360) 725-5810. 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 (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.

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.

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 qualifications listed above.

Please briefly describe your PBS‑related work experience

Include any work or education related to determining eligibility for services, processing applications or claims (such as financial, medical, or unemployment), analyzing or verifying financial information, or providing direct customer service, particularly with historically marginalized communities.

Where did you learn about this job with DSHS ESA CSD