Public Benefits Specialist: Eligibility & Client Support

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in Tacoma, WA is seeking entry-level Public Benefits Specialist 1-3. The role offers on-site work in the Community Service Division, with comprehensive training and strong public service pathways.

You will assist applicants via in-person and phone interviews, determining eligibility for Financial, SNAP, and Medicaid programs. You will complete interviews, collect data, and process applications in line with federal and state rules.

Qualifications

• Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination such as examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims
• A bachelor's degree
• A combination of years of the above experience and education totaling four years
• One year of years of the above experience and education totaling four years

Responsibilities

• Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and on-going eligibility determinations for Financial, SNAP, and Medicaid programs
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility
• Gather and review data, application and verification for each benefit program
• Process all applications and case actions in accordance with Federal and State requirements based on household income and size
• Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs to clients

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Public assistance knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Experience & education mix totaling four years

Four years in customer service for public contact

Job description

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in Tacoma, WA is seeking entry-level Public Benefits Specialist 1-3. The role offers on-site work in the Community Service Division, with comprehensive training and strong public service pathways.

You will assist applicants via in-person and phone interviews, determining eligibility for Financial, SNAP, and Medicaid programs. You will complete interviews, collect data, and process applications in line with federal and state rules.