What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 5 position at State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health...?
Description
DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 5
The Economic Services Administration, Community Services Division has a leadership opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist Supervisor (PBS5) to join our team in the Colville, WA.
This key leadership role involves directly supervising a team of Public Benefits Specialists (PBS), ensuring accuracy, accountability, and quality control across public assistance programs. Your expertise in financial management, eligibility determination, and process optimization will maintain the integrity of critical programs serving our community. You will be responsible for setting unit standards, providing technical guidance, and overseeing the seamless flow of operations, making independent decisions that align with agency goals. This role is crucial to ensuring that our services reach those in need with efficiency and accuracy.
Some of what you'll do:
- Supervise, coach, and manage a unit of Public Benefits Specialists to ensure quality, timeliness, and compliance in eligibility determinations.
- Establish workloads, performance standards, and quality benchmarks for the team while using data reports to monitor progress.
- Conduct employee performance appraisals, addressing areas of improvement and implementing plans for growth.
- Interpret policies and procedures for staff regarding public assistance program eligibility.
- Coordinate and conduct regular team meetings and one-on-ones to discuss goals, challenges, and procedural updates.
- Collaborate with community partners, including colleges and organizations, to enhance service delivery and negotiate contracts.
- Manage workloads effectively, ensuring that tasks are completed within required timeframes and that employee productivity is optimized.
- Oversee the accurate processing of Apple Health applications via the Health Plan Finder system on behalf of clients.
- Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and personnel policies while addressing conflicts and recommending staffing adjustments.
Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities that we're looking for:
- Strong understanding of public assistance eligibility rules and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
- Extensive knowledge of financial regulations and public policies, with independent decision-making ability.
- Proficiency in key systems: ACES, Barcode, e-Jas, ICMS, and Washington Connections.
- Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
- Proven leadership and coaching abilities, motivating staff and enhancing performance.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse clients, staff, and partners.
- Ability to manage complex cases and stay calm under pressure, ensuring informed decisions and service excellence.
Who should apply?
- Professionals with one year of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3 or 4
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Individuals with a bachelor’s degree* and three years of experience** in:
- Examining or processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims.
- Unemployment insurance claims.
- Jobs providing staff support in public assistance eligibility determination.
- Analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.
- Note: Related or closely related employment experience may substitute year for year for education.
** Note: Three years of out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance, including financial, medical, and food benefit programs, will be considered toward experience.
Interested?
Apply today! Please include the following with your application:
- A letter of interest with a detailed description of how your experience relates to this opportunity.
- A current chronological resume.
- Current contact information for three professional references.
Questions?
Please contact the assigned DSHS recruiter by email at vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 00311.
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.
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.
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