ES Benefits Specialist 2: In-training/Telework Dual Language

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); À distance; USD 50 000 - 67 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Telework opportunities

Flexible work schedules

In-training to ESBS2 with classroom/on

Résumé du poste

State of Washington’s Employment Security Department is hiring a dual-language Benefits Specialist 2 in-training for the PFML program. The role handles benefits claims, explanations of rights and responsibilities, and high-volume customer service with an emphasis on accuracy and equity.

The position is eligible for full-time telework within Washington State, with occasional travel to duty stations. Spanish language proficiency is required for consideration, starting Feb 16, 2027.

Qualifications

• Claims processing and adjudication experience.
• Ability to document and verify benefit requests.
• Fact-finding and advising on rights and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of applicable laws and agency policies.
• Ability to explain program requirements clearly to customers.
• Strong problem resolution and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing workload.
• Experience serving diverse customers, including limited English proficiency.

Responsabilités

• Process and adjudicate routine and complex PFML claims per policies.
• Provide high-quality customer service via phone, email, and secure messaging.
• Identify needs, research issues, and deliver accurate solutions.
• Review wage information and verification materials for eligibility.
• Conduct fact-finding and request docs for legally sound determinations.
• Ensure translated correspondence for customers with limited English proficiency.
• Resolve redeterminations and process weekly claims with adjustments as needed.
• Report potential underpayments/overpayments and suspected fraud per rules.
• Respond to inquiries from claimants, employers, providers, and stakeholders.

Connaissances

Claims processing

Adjudication

Documentation

Fact-finding

Legal compliance

Program knowledge

Communication

Problem resolution

Equity and service

Time management

Formation

Bachelor’s degree in health/social science/public administration or related field

Associate’s degree in health/public administration or related field

Description du poste

The Employment Security Department (ESD) is hiring a dual language, customer-focused, and detail-oriented professional to serve as an ES Benefits Specialist 2 in-training on our Paid Leave Customer Care Team.

This position is eligible for full-time telework within Washington State, though the successful candidates may occasionally be asked to travel to their assigned duty station within Washington State.

This is a Dual Language vacancy and requires the ability to read, speak, and write proficiently in Spanish in order to qualify for further consideration.

The anticipated start date for this position is February 16, 2027

The ideal candidate is patient, empathetic, and solution driven. They communicate clearly, navigate complex rules with confidence, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where accuracy and service matter. They have the ability to build trust with customers, collaborate effectively with teammates, and approach each interaction with professionalism and respect. The ideal candidate is committed to equity, able to manage high-volume workloads, and skilled at translating technical requirements into clear, helpful guidance.

As an ES Benefits Specialist 2, you will be a key member of the Operations Team and one of the primary voices of the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. You will help Washington workers and employers understand their rights and responsibilities, process benefit claims, and ensure customers receive timely, accurate information. Your work directly supports ESD’s mission to provide economic stability and peace of mind during life’s most challenging moments.

In this role, you will adjudicate Paid Family Medical Leave benefit claims, review documentation for eligibility, and guide customers through program requirements. You will respond to a high volume of inquiries from claimants, employers, healthcare providers, and representatives—providing clear explanations, resolving issues, and escalating concerns when appropriate. You will ensure compliance with RCW, WAC, and agency policies while delivering exceptional service to diverse customers, including those with limited English proficiency.

Some of what you will do:

• Process and adjudicate routine and complex Paid Family Medical Leave claims in accordance with RCW, WAC, and agency policies
• Provide high-quality customer service through phone, email, and secure messaging, managing large volumes of inbound and outbound communication
• Identify customer needs, research issues, and deliver accurate, timely solutions
• Review wage information, identity verification materials, and medical certifications to determine benefit eligibility
• Conduct fact-finding and request additional documentation when needed to make legally sound determinations
• Ensure customers with limited English proficiency receive translated correspondence and due process through certified interpreters
• Resolve monetary and non-monetary redeterminations and process weekly claims, including corrections or adjustments
• Report potential underpayments, overpayments, and suspected fraud in accordance with compliance requirements
• Respond to inquiries from claimants, employers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders regarding program requirements and case-specific issues

** These positions are hired as ESBS1 in-training, advancing to the ESBS2 job class after successful completion of the in-training plan, which includes on-the-job and classroom training.**

Option 1:

Four (4) years of equivalent experience as noted below

Option 2:

One (1) year as an ES Benefits Technician, ANDThree (3) years of additional relevant experience.

Option 3:

One (1) year of experience equivalent to the ES Benefits Technician with another state that administers insurance benefits programs, AND Three (3) years of additional relevant experience.

Option 4:

Associate’s Degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field, AND Two (2) years of the required experience below.

Option 5:

Bachelor’s Degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field

Required equity competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others

Required experience includes:

• Claims Processing and Adjudication:Skill in processing and adjudicating claims
• Documentation and Verification:Ability to document and verify benefit requests
• Fact-Finding and Advising:Ability to gather facts and advise on rights and responsibilities
• Legal Compliance and Decision Making:Ability to make decisions based on laws and policies
• Program Knowledge and Communication:Ability to explain program requirements and services
• Problem Resolution and Communication: Skill in resolving issues and communicating outcomes
• Adaptability, Versatility and Task Management:Ability to perform various tasks as needed including those of lower-level positions

Benefit Specialist 1 In-Training: $50,412 - $67,704 Annually during training and

Benefit Specialist 2: $55,596 - $74,748 Annually.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical and Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check

Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy. Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.

Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume, with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.

Please also provide at least three (3) professional references. Do not attach the references as an additional document, please enter them into your application in the "References" section.

Our agency's mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.

Opportunity for All

We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Katie Swanson or at (360)-742-8208 or the Talent Acquisition Team, prior to the position closing. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact [e-mail] or [phone] or toll free [phone], Washington Relay 711.

This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.

**This Organization Participates in E-Verify**