Public Benefits Case Planner & Support Specialist

State of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay (King County) CTA

Free ORCA card

Job summary

State of Washington's Department of Social and Health Services seeks a Public Benefits Specialist 4 – Case Planning and Support Specialist in Seattle. You will assess eligibility for cash, food, and medical programs, develop tailored case plans, and coordinate with healthcare, housing, employment, and other partners to remove barriers for clients.

You will interpret complex documents, conduct interviews, and ensure services are delivered with empathy, policy accuracy, and trauma-informed care,

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Washington’s public assistance programs
• Ability to assess and re-determine eligibility accurately
• Familiarity with WAC, RCW, and internal manuals
• Strong case planning grounded in trauma-informed practice
• Analytical skills for fast, high-stakes decisions
• Clear, respectful, and empathetic communication
• Crisis navigation with professional boundaries
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to shifting priorities

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for cash, food, and medical programs
• Facilitate program orientations and explain benefit pathways clearly
• Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans to address barriers and support employment goals
• Refer clients to services such as domestic violence support, substance use treatment, mental health counselling, housing, and job training
• Coordinate with external agencies and service providers to align support plans
• Review and interpret complex documents—court orders, leases, medical notes—to determine appropriate program fit
• Authorize and track supportive services such as transportation, childcare, or work clothing
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes and documentation in multiple systems
• Respond to case audits, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations
• Participate in outreach efforts, home visits, and client advocacy as needed

Skills

Eligibility expertise

Policy fluency

Case planning insight

Analytical skills

Communication

Crisis navigation

Resilience and flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Tools

ACES

Barcode

eJAS

HPF

Job description

State of Washington's Department of Social and Health Services seeks a Public Benefits Specialist 4 – Case Planning and Support Specialist in Seattle. You will assess eligibility for cash, food, and medical programs, develop tailored case plans, and coordinate with healthcare, housing, employment, and other partners to remove barriers for clients.

You will interpret complex documents, conduct interviews, and ensure services are delivered with empathy, policy accuracy, and trauma-informed care,