What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ALTSA Public Benefits Specialist position at State of Washington?
Home and Community Services (HCS) is currently seeking a Public Benefits Specialist (PBS) in Wenatchee, WA. As an HCS PBS, you will provide comprehensive consultation about complex eligibility qualifications and skilled financial guidance to high-risk clients who are financially and medically dependent upon a full range of services and supports. As a Public Benefits Specialist In-Training, you will have the chance to learn while you share your knowledge to help those in need.
Home and Community Services is a division of the Aging & Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA), and promotes, plans, develops, and provides an array of long-term services and supports to people who have disabilities, are seniors, or have caregivers to maximize their independence, dignity, and quality of life.
Some of what you will do
- Determine ongoing eligibility for Long-Term Services and Support programs, which include hospice, institutional care, and HCB Waiver Services
- Conduct intensive, confidential in-person and telephone interviews with clients, client representatives, attorneys, medical providers, and guardians; arrange accessibility, reasonable accommodations, or interpreters when necessary
- Provide professional case management
- Input and receive data using multiple computer systems
- 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
- Respond to case audits and make corrections
- Recognize and recalculate incorrect payments of grants, food benefits, medical assistance, and Long-Term Services and Supports
How you will 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 will 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 Specialist4*. Those hired will be appointed to the appropriate level based on their experience and previous training. Advancement is based on completion of each step.
Who should apply
- Compassionate people with 4 years equivalent work experience in financial services: 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
- Or, a bachelors degree ready to exert their best efforts to learn and enhance skills to become a Public Benefits Specialist
Preferred skills, knowledge, and abilities:
- Is capable to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions
- 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
- Will refrain from personal bias when determining eligibility
- Thrives in a standardized work setting
The goal class for this role described above is for a Public Benefits Specialist 4. We may consider applicants at the PBS1 or PBS2 level, with a training plan to advance to a PBS4. Education and experience are the difference between qualifications at each level and are evaluated by the hiring team. Starting salary depends on your qualifications.
Salary Ranges
Public Benefits Specialist 1($3,454.00Step A –$4,497.00Step L)
Public Benefits Specialist 2($3,883.00Step A– $5,088.00Step L)
Public Benefits Specialist 4 ($4,385.00 Step A -- $5,756.00 Step L )
(*There is no ALTSA PBS 3 level.)
Interested? Apply today!Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at alex.baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #02261.
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.
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Salary : $3,558 - $6,077
