What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ALTSA Public Benefits Specialist position at State of Washington?
Do you want a career helping others? Consider this exciting opportunity! Home and Community Services is currently seeking a Public Benefits Specialist in Kennewick, Washington. As an In-Training Public Benefits Specialist, you will have the chance to share your knowledge while helpings those in need.
Some of what you will do:
- Provide professional case management and program evaluation for a broad range of individuals seeking long-term services and supports.
- Input and receive data using multiple computer systems including: ACES Mainframe, ACES Online/3G, Barcode, Comprehensive Assessment and Reporting Evaluation (CARE) system, Department of Health interface, Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), Support Enforcement Maintenance System (SEMS), Asset Verification System (AVS) and TPX Retirement Systems.
- Analyze and verify complex legal documents to determine how they impact long-term care eligibility.
- Act as a source of information for Social Service Specialists and Area Agency on Aging Case Managers, internal and external social workers, medical providers, guardians, authorized representatives and attorneys.
- Provide information and assistance to the community regarding HCS programs and how to access them.
- Direct clients, representatives and caregivers to the appropriate person or agency for inquiries or problems that fall outside the area of financial eligibility.
- Read and Interpret the Washington Administrative Code, Revised Code of Washington, and other procedural manuals.
- Work within time frames and deadlines dictated by state and federal program requirements.
- Analyze written and oral information received from various sources for accuracy and authenticity.
- Investigate complaints and answer inquiries from the community.
- Ensure equal access to programs using oral and written translation services.
- Respond to case audits and make corrections.
- Other duties as assigned.
How you'll grow:
A career in public service can be demanding yet rewarding. Your customers come from diverse backgrounds and speak many languages. There is a lot to learn, and classroom training is a big part of the beginning. We'll be with you every step of the way. We provide formal training both in the classroom and on the job to progressively advance within a 24-month period from a Public Benefits Specialist 1 to a Public Benefits Specialist 4. Those hired will be appointed to the appropriate level based on their experience and previous training. Advancement is based on completion.
Who should apply?
Compassionate people with a Bachelors degree ready to exert their best efforts to learn and enhance skills to become a Public Benefits Specialist.
Or work experience substituting year for the degree: examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims; or in a customer service job where the major duties involve public contact or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination.
Or, one year of equivalent out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance that includes financial, medical, and food stamp programs.
Preferred skills, knowledge, and abilities:
Thrives in a standardized work setting.
Is able to learn and utilize various computer programs.
Is able to communicate effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, working with people who have communication challenges, assisting underserved populations, and discussing confidential and unpleasant options, in person and over the phone.
Can work with complex technical regulations and procedures, and analyze complex situations.
Will refrain from personal bias when determining eligibility.
Is competent to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions.
Salary Ranges
Public Benefits Specialist 1 ($3,558.00-Step A –$4,632.00 Step L)
Public Benefits Specialist 2 ($3,999.00-Step A– $5,241.00 Step L
Public Benefits Specialist 4 ($4,517.00 Step A - $5,929.00 Step L )
(*There is no ALTSA PBS 3 level.)
Questions? Please contact vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference 00482.
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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Salary : $3,558 - $5,929
