DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 – Gateway to a Rewarding Career!

The Economic Services Administration (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) is seeking compassionate individuals to join our Statewide Customer Service Contact Center (CSCC) at Bellingham Community Service Office (CSO) as a Public Benefits Specialist. In this role, you'll make a real difference in the lives of Washingtonians by helping them access essential public assistance services. Whether you're meeting with clients face-to-face or assisting them over the phone, you'll play a key role in determining eligibility for programs like Financial Assistance, SNAP, and Medicaid.

This position eligible for hybrid schedule.

We provide comprehensive training and support to help you advance within a 15-month period, leading to a senior role. If you have a background in customer service, financial eligibility, or a related field, and you're ready to grow your career in public service, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.


Some of what you will do: 

• Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and on-going eligibility determinations for Financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility
• Gather and review data, application and other documents, and verification for each benefit program as it relates to each person's circumstances
• Process all applications and case actions in accordance with Federal and State requirements based on household income and size
• Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs, as well as answer questions regarding benefits or available services to clients

We're looking for applicants who have the education and/or experience as listed below:

• Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination such as examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims

OR

• A bachelor’s degree

OR

• A combination of years of the above experience and education totaling 4 years

OR

• One year of equivalent, out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs.

We would like to hire someone who:

• 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 (telework options are available)
• 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

Individuals who are bilingual in Russian, Spanish or Vietnamese are encouraged to apply.

Salary Ranges:
 Public Benefits Specialist 1 ($4,093.00 Step G – $4,632.00 Step L)
Public Benefits Specialist 2 ($4,299.00 Step D – $5,241.00 Step L)
Public Benefits Specialist 3 ($4,740.00 Step E – $5,643.00 Step L)

Interested?
Along with your application, please submit a current resume.
  
Questions? 
You are welcome to reach out to our DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at alex.baclaan@dshs.wa.gov or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference 00348.
 
Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform 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 mission 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 will 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 - $5,783