DSHS ALTSA Public Benefits Specialist

DSHS ALTSA HCS Public Benefits Specialist 4  

Are you passionate about empowering individuals and supporting their independence?

Home and Community Services, a division of the Aging & Long-Term Support Administration, is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 to join our Spokane team.

In this senior-level role, you’ll provide expert eligibility services to high-risk clients who rely on long-term services and supports (LTSS) for their health and well-being. You’ll play a vital role in maximizing the independence, dignity, and quality of life for adults with disabilities, seniors, and caregivers in our community.

Join us and help strengthen the communities we serve!

Some of what you will do 

• Independently determines and re-determines ongoing eligibility for Long-term services and support programs such as: HCB Waiver Services, hospice, alternate care service programs, nursing facilities, institutional care, Medicaid Personal Care and Community First Choice, financial care, Medicaid Personal Care, Community First Choice, financial medical, WASHCAP and food assistance benefits
• Conducts intensive in-person and telephone interviews with the client, client representatives, attorneys, guardians, etc to determine eligibility arrange accessibility, reasonable accommodations, or interpreters when necessary
• Recognize and recalculate incorrect payments of grants, food benefits, medical assistance, and Long-Term Services and Supports
• Provides professional case management and evaluates services for a broad range of clients seeking long-term services and supports
• Analyze written and oral information received and legal documents, which includes court orders, contracts, insurance policies, trusts, life estates, and promissory notes
• Interpret the Washington Administrative Code, Revised Code of Washington, procedural manuals, policies, and policy clarifications 
• Use the statewide asset verification and real property database to evaluate the impacts of real property transfers, quit claims, and sales 
• Acts as a source of information for agency social service specialists (internal and external), medical providers, guardians, authorized representatives and attorneys
• Responds to case audits and makes required corrections
• Provide office coverage for walk-in clients as scheduled 

Who should apply? 

• Professionals with 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

• Equivalent 4 years work experience: Examining/processing loan applications, medical experience, or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information 

OR

• Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical, and food benefit programs 

Preferred skills, knowledge, and abilities: 

• Rules and requirements governing the administration of long-term care programs; state and federal medical assistance programs, Home & Community based waivers, institutional program eligibility, Community First Choice, Medicaid Personal Care, Medicaid Alternative Care, Tailored Supports for Older Adults, Aged, Blind, Disabled cash assistance, Basic Food, and WASHCAP
• Empathic to the philosophy of public assistance programs; state and federal welfare laws, rules, and regulations; principles, problems, and practices of public welfare administration; social and economic conditions, and their effects upon people
• Can apply mathematical principles to calculations
• Familiarity with using various computer programs
• Communicate effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, engaging with people who have communication barriers, assisting underserved populations, and discussing private and unpleasant options, in person and over the phone
• Can work with complex technical regulations and procedures, and interpret complex situations and adapt to frequent policy and procedure changes
• Refrain from personal bias when determining eligibility
• Capable to prioritize and perform multiple tasks with numerous interruptions

The role will start in-office for training, and it has the opportunity for telework with management discretion.

Interested?  Along with your application, please include:

• An updated Resume
• A Cover Letter
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions? Please reach out to sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 01334. 

To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov.

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.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.

Salary : $4,517 - $6,077