DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 (Lead)

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Washington; Presencial; USD 70.000 - 90.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services in Spokane, WA, seeks a Public Benefits Specialist 4, Leadworker to guide a team of PBS staff processing cash, food, and medical benefits. You will assign work, audit cases, and coach staff to maintain high service standards throughout the application process.

You will establish eligibility rules, identify error trends, manage overpayments, and refer to Financial Recovery while collaborating with state agencies and community partners to

Formación

• 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.

Responsabilidades

• 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 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.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Auditing

Policy interpretation

Coaching

Educación

Bachelor's degree or higher

Descripción del empleo

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.

See Why People Like You Chose Careers With DSHS

What We're Looking For

• 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.

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.

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 [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 (Nepo) 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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