Lead Public Benefits Specialist — Training & Compliance

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Auburn (WA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay

Free ORCA card

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services in Auburn, WA is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 to lead PBS staff in processing cash, medical, and food benefits while ensuring compliance with federal and state rules. The PBS4 will audit, coach, and train others, manage complex eligibility determinations, and collaborate with partners to improve service delivery.

The role requires deep knowledge of Washington's public assistance programs, strong analytical and communication

Qualifications

• Eligibility expertise evident in Washington’s public assistance programs.
• Policy fluency with WAC, RCW, and internal manuals.
• Analytical ability to interpret complex data and documentation.
• Clear, respectful, and empathetic communication.
• Calm and grounded under pressure when serving distressed individuals.
• Ability to adapt to shifting programs and competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Assigns work to PBS staff processing cash, medical, and/or food benefits.
• Audits/reviews work and reports findings to supervisor on progress.
• Detects error trends through audits to identify training needs.
• Performs complex duties in establishing eligibility and policy interpretation.
• Reviews cases and analyzes actions for accuracy; contacts staff/agencies as needed.
• Assists clients with Apple Health by entering data into HPF.
• Conducts intensive interviews to determine eligibility for benefits.
• Processes all case actions per federal and state requirements.
• Supports local office implementation of regional initiatives.
• Provides feedback to regional training staff on gaps.
• Verifies and establishes overpayments; completes referrals.

Skills

Eligibility expertise

Policy fluency

Analytical skills

Communication

Crisis navigation

Resilience

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

12 months PBS3 experience

Public Benefits Specialist Training Program completion

5 years combined higher education/experience substitute

Job description

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services in Auburn, WA is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 to lead PBS staff in processing cash, medical, and food benefits while ensuring compliance with federal and state rules. The PBS4 will audit, coach, and train others, manage complex eligibility determinations, and collaborate with partners to improve service delivery.

The role requires deep knowledge of Washington's public assistance programs, strong analytical and communication