Entry-Level Public Benefits Specialist I-III — Seattle

State of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay

Free ORCA card

Job summary

State of Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking an entry-level Public Benefits Specialist in Seattle, WA. Training is provided, and you will help individuals access benefits through in-person and phone interactions, determining eligibility using established programs.

You’ll learn to process applications, conduct interviews, gather verification data, and explain requirements while supporting diverse Washington communities in a structured, supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Four years in a customer service job with public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determination, such as processing loan applications, medical insurance or unemployment claims.
• One year of equivalent out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance.

Responsibilities

• Process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, SNAP, and Medicaid programs.
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.
• Gather and review data, applications, and verification for each benefit program as it relates to each person’s circumstances.
• Process all applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements based on household income and size.
• Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs to clients.

Skills

Customer service

Interviews

Communication

Data gathering

Tools

Internal software

Computer systems

Job description

State of Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking an entry-level Public Benefits Specialist in Seattle, WA. Training is provided, and you will help individuals access benefits through in-person and phone interactions, determining eligibility using established programs.

You’ll learn to process applications, conduct interviews, gather verification data, and explain requirements while supporting diverse Washington communities in a structured, supportive environment.