Public Benefits Specialist Trainee — Hybrid, Help Families Access Care

State of Washington; Moses Lake (WA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in Moses Lake, WA is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist In-Training (PBS1-3). This hybrid role supports families applying for or receiving Child Care Subsidy benefits, conducting interviews, and determining eligibility in a fast-paced call center environment.

You'll work closely with applicants to ensure accurate benefits, navigate complex rules, and provide respectful guidance while meeting business needs with in-office attendance 2–3

Qualifications

• One year of experience determining financial eligibility for public assistance.
• Bachelor's degree and experience examining/processing medical insurance or unemployment claims or customer service with public contact can substitute for education.
• Six months as PBS1 and completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intensive interviews with customers to determine eligibility for services or continued eligibility.
• Process Child Care applications from Washington Connections online and documents.
• Analyze information to determine accurate benefits and continued eligibility.
• Finalize applications and reapplications with verified information.
• Refer clients to mandatory and optional services as required.
• Ensure translations and interpreter services for limited English proficient clients.
• Authorize subsidy payments to approved providers through SSPS.
• Compute and initiate overpayments and inform clients accordingly.
• Issue reimbursements and benefits when necessary to correct errors.
• Assist Child Care Providers with subsidy payment information.

Skills

Customer service

Call center experience

Communication

Action to learn and grow

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in Moses Lake, WA is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist In-Training (PBS1-3). This hybrid role supports families applying for or receiving Child Care Subsidy benefits, conducting interviews, and determining eligibility in a fast-paced call center environment.

You'll work closely with applicants to ensure accurate benefits, navigate complex rules, and provide respectful guidance while meeting business needs with in-office attendance 2–3