Medicaid & Public Benefits Eligibility Specialist

State of Washington; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid telework schedule

In-office training

Travel may be required

Job summary

State of Washington's Developmental Disabilities Administration seeks a DDA Public Benefits Specialist 4 to review income/assets and apply state/federal rules to determine Medicaid and long-term care eligibility. You’ll interview clients and guardians, verify financial information, and coordinate with case managers to start benefits, with hybrid in-office and remote work options.

Responsibilities include reviewing documents, assessing asset transfers, and guiding clients through complex

Qualifications

• Must have completed the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program, or similar out-of-state training.
• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree required with 12 months of public benefits experience (Specialist 3).
• Bachelor’s degree or higher with 12 months of Specialist 2 experience determining long-term care eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Decide who qualifies for long-term care programs (in-home care, home and community services, hospice, etc.).
• Interview clients, family members, guardians, and attorneys by phone.
• Gather and calculate income and assets to determine eligibility for health coverage, long-term care, and food benefits.
• Figure out how much a person must pay each month toward the cost of their care.
• Review legal and financial papers (trusts, deeds, policies, etc.).
• Search statewide property database to assess transfers affecting eligibility.
• Act quickly on urgent cases (hospital discharges, facility closures).
• Update cases when circumstances change and send required notices.
• Partner with case managers to set benefits start date.
• Identify and correct payment errors; respond to audits.
• Answer questions from social workers, medical providers, guardians; refer to SSA/VA.
• Arrange interpreters and translations to improve access to services.

Skills

Analysis

Accuracy

Communication

Interviewing

Customer service

Organization

Judgment

Collaboration

Equity and cultural competence

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree

Experience as Public Benefits Specialist 2/3

Equivalent education/experience 5+ years

Job description

State of Washington's Developmental Disabilities Administration seeks a DDA Public Benefits Specialist 4 to review income/assets and apply state/federal rules to determine Medicaid and long-term care eligibility. You’ll interview clients and guardians, verify financial information, and coordinate with case managers to start benefits, with hybrid in-office and remote work options.

Responsibilities include reviewing documents, assessing asset transfers, and guiding clients through complex