What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 position at State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health...?
Description
DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS 4)
Are you ready to make a lasting impact in your community?
Join the Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division as a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4), with the Central Sound Team in the Customer Service Contact Center at our White Center Community Services Office in Seattle.
In this position, you will play a pivotal role in helping individuals and families access essential public benefits that provide them with the support they need to thrive. You will be leading, coordinating, and guiding a team of specialists to ensure the delivery of critical services. This isn’t just another job—it's a chance to contribute to meaningful changes in people's lives by facilitating resources and benefits they rely on.
King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.
*Opportunity for this to be a hybrid position. Dependent to Hiring Manager's discretion*
See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:
Some of what you'll do:
- Act as the primary point of contact for resolving the most complex public assistance cases and appeals.
- Lead, train, and mentor a team of Public Benefit Specialists to ensure consistent and effective service.
- Interpret and apply state and federal laws, regulations, and policies to real-world cases.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies and non-profits, to develop effective solutions.
- Oversee the quality of public benefit delivery, including accuracy in determining eligibility and resolving discrepancies.
- Manage and support ongoing team performance evaluations, identifying areas for improvement and providing tailored coaching.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities We Are Looking For:
- Strong working knowledge of public assistance programs, including eligibility and service delivery processes.
- Excellent leadership and team development skills.
- Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply complex regulations and legal guidelines.
- Expertise in conflict resolution and experience in handling escalated cases.
- Demonstrated proficiency in collaborative work with community partners, stakeholders, and other government entities.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
Who should apply? Professionals with either:
Twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
OR
A Bachelor’s degree or higher AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2
determining eligibility for public assistance or long-term care services.
OR
5 years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience may substitute for degree and
PBS work experience requirements. Total must include at least one year’s equivalent work
experience. Examples of equivalent experience include but are not limited to:
- Providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized
- Experience examining/processing loan applications,
- Medical insurance or rehabilitation claims,
- Unemployment insurance claims, or
- Providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and
AND
Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include
financial, medical and food benefit programs will be considered toward experience.
Interested? Apply today!
Please Include:
Cover Letter
Resume
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Questions? Please contact jesus.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference job number 2025-00364.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
