Public Benefits Case Planner & Support Specialist

Washington State Health Care Authority; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay

Free ORCA card

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in Kent, WA is seeking a PBS4 – Case Planning and Support Specialist to provide leadership to staff and clients, assess eligibility for public assistance, and develop tailored case plans across multiple programs. The role emphasizes trauma-informed planning, complex decision-making, and coordinated services.

You will work in a full-time in-office setting, engaging with partners across healthcare, housing, employment, and more

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Washington’s public assistance programs and ability to assess eligibility accurately.
• Comfort navigating WAC, RCW, and internal procedural manuals to ensure lawful service delivery.
• Strong understanding of building service plans that are trauma-informed and client-contextual.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for cash, food, and medical programs.
• Facilitate program orientations and explain benefit pathways clearly and empathetically.
• Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans to address barriers and support employment goals.
• Refer clients to services such as housing, mental health, or job training.
• Coordinate with external agencies to align support plans.
• Review and interpret complex documents to determine program fit.
• Authorize and track supportive services like transportation or childcare.
• Maintain up-to-date case notes in multiple systems (ACES, Barcode, eJAS, HPF).
• Respond to case audits, resolve discrepancies, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Participate in outreach, home visits, and client advocacy when needed.

Skills

Eligibility expertise

Policy fluency

Case planning

Analytical skills

Communication

Crisis navigation

Resilience

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Job description

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in Kent, WA is seeking a PBS4 – Case Planning and Support Specialist to provide leadership to staff and clients, assess eligibility for public assistance, and develop tailored case plans across multiple programs. The role emphasizes trauma-informed planning, complex decision-making, and coordinated services.

You will work in a full-time in-office setting, engaging with partners across healthcare, housing, employment, and more