Entry-Level Public Benefits Specialist (Training Included)

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Kennewick (WA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is seeking an entry‑level Public Benefits Specialist in Kennewick, WA. This on‑site role supports clients applying for public assistance and involves eligibility interviews, data gathering, and processing applications with comprehensive training provided.

You’ll learn to determine eligibility for Financial, SNAP, and Medicaid programs, using internal software, while communicating clearly with diverse populations.

Qualifications

• Four years in a customer service job with public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determination (education may substitute).
• One year of equivalent out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance.

Responsibilities

• Process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, SNAP, and Medicaid programs.
• Conduct intensive interviews to determine eligibility.
• Gather and review data, applications, and verification for each benefit program.
• Process applications and case actions per federal/state requirements.
• Explain program requirements and answer questions for clients.

Skills

Customer service

Interviews

Eligibility determinations

Phone & in-person work

Data gathering

Tools

Case management systems

Job description

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is seeking an entry‑level Public Benefits Specialist in Kennewick, WA. This on‑site role supports clients applying for public assistance and involves eligibility interviews, data gathering, and processing applications with comprehensive training provided.

You’ll learn to determine eligibility for Financial, SNAP, and Medicaid programs, using internal software, while communicating clearly with diverse populations.