Public Benefits Lead Specialist — Eligibility & Training

State of Washington; Auburn (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay for King County staff

Free ORCA card for transportation

Job summary

State of Washington is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) to lead staff at the Community Service Office in Auburn, WA. This full-time in-office role focuses on expert eligibility, audits, and program compliance within public benefit programs.

The PBS4 will audit, coach, train, and guide staff, conduct case reviews, and work with HPF/PII systems. Strong analytical, policy, and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Washington’s public assistance programs and eligibility determination.
• Ability to navigate WAC, RCW, and internal manuals for lawful service.
• Strong data interpretation for fast, high-stakes decisions.

Responsibilities

• Assigns work to PBS staff processing cash, medical, and/or food benefits.
• Audits/reviews work and establishes reports with supervisor guidance.
• Detects error trends to identify training needs.
• Performs complex duties in eligibility, rule interpretation, and procedural development.
• Reviews cases and communicates with staff/agencies for clarifications.
• Assists clients with Apple Healthcare applications via HPF.
• Conducts intensive interviews to determine eligibility.
• Process case actions per federal/state requirements.
• Support local implementation of regional initiatives.
• Provide feedback to regional training staff on gaps.
• Verifies overpayments and referrals to Financial Recovery.

Skills

Eligibility expertise

Policy fluency

Analytical skills

Communication

Crisis navigation

Resilience & flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

12 months PBS3 experience

5 years higher education/experience substitute

Job description

State of Washington is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) to lead staff at the Community Service Office in Auburn, WA. This full-time in-office role focuses on expert eligibility, audits, and program compliance within public benefit programs.

The PBS4 will audit, coach, train, and guide staff, conduct case reviews, and work with HPF/PII systems. Strong analytical, policy, and communication skills are essential.