Public Benefits Specialist III — Eligibility & Help

State of Washington; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 is an entry-level, on-site role in Tacoma, WA. Training is provided as you learn to determine eligibility for financial assistance, SNAP, and Medicaid, through interviews and document reviews.

You’ll engage with diverse clients, handle applications online and via phone, and grow through classroom training while progressing through specialist levels with defined salary steps.

Qualifications

• Four years in a customer service role with public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determinations.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience and education totaling four years.
• Ability to learn and use multiple computer programs relevant to eligibility processing.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for diverse client populations.

Responsibilities

• Process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, SNAP, and Medicaid programs.
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.
• Gather and review data, documents, and verifications for benefit programs.
• Process applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements.
• Explain program requirements and procedures to clients and answer questions.

Skills

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Education

Four years in a customer service job with public contact

Bachelor's degree

Combination of experience and education totaling four years

One year of the above experience and education totaling four years

Job description

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 is an entry-level, on-site role in Tacoma, WA. Training is provided as you learn to determine eligibility for financial assistance, SNAP, and Medicaid, through interviews and document reviews.

You’ll engage with diverse clients, handle applications online and via phone, and grow through classroom training while progressing through specialist levels with defined salary steps.