What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 position at State of Washington?
DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS 4)
Are you ready to make a lasting impact in your community? Join the Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division as a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4), at our Capitol Hill Community Services Office in Seattle.
In this position, you will play a pivotal role in helping individuals and families access essential public benefits that provide them with the support they need to thrive. You will be leading, coordinating, and guiding a team of specialists to ensure the delivery of critical services. This isn’t just another job—it's a chance to contribute to meaningful changes in people's lives by facilitating resources and benefits they rely on.
You’ll serve at a specialist level and independently provide expert eligibility services and professional case planning for a broad range of individuals seeking specialty program services through Seattle's Community Services Division. Your leadership and expertise will influence policy interpretation and shape how public assistance programs are delivered at a regional level. If you’re driven by a passion for helping others and possess strong analytical skills, this position will give you the platform to lead initiatives that enhance service delivery for vulnerable populations.
See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:
Some of what you'll do:
Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:
Who should apply? Professionals with either:
Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs will be considered toward experience.
Additional information:
Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #00841.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Are you ready to make a lasting impact in your community? Join the Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division as a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4), at our Capitol Hill Community Services Office in Seattle.
In this position, you will play a pivotal role in helping individuals and families access essential public benefits that provide them with the support they need to thrive. You will be leading, coordinating, and guiding a team of specialists to ensure the delivery of critical services. This isn’t just another job—it's a chance to contribute to meaningful changes in people's lives by facilitating resources and benefits they rely on.
You’ll serve at a specialist level and independently provide expert eligibility services and professional case planning for a broad range of individuals seeking specialty program services through Seattle's Community Services Division. Your leadership and expertise will influence policy interpretation and shape how public assistance programs are delivered at a regional level. If you’re driven by a passion for helping others and possess strong analytical skills, this position will give you the platform to lead initiatives that enhance service delivery for vulnerable populations.
See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:
Some of what you'll do:
- Act as the primary point of contact for resolving the most complex public assistance cases and appeals.
- Lead, train, and mentor a team of Public Benefit Specialists to ensure consistent and effective service.
- Interpret and apply state and federal laws, regulations, and policies to real-world cases.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies and non-profits, to develop effective solutions.
- Oversee the quality of public benefit delivery, including accuracy in determining eligibility and resolving discrepancies.
- Manage and support ongoing team performance evaluations, identifying areas for improvement and providing tailored coaching.
- Provide support and back-up to the PBS supervisor in their absence.
Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:
- Strong working knowledge of public assistance programs, including eligibility and service delivery processes.
- Excellent leadership and team development skills.
- Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply complex regulations and legal guidelines.
- Expertise in conflict resolution and experience in handling escalated cases.
- Demonstrated proficiency in collaborative work with community partners, stakeholders, and other government entities.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
Who should apply? Professionals with either:
- A bachelor’s degree* or master's degree* AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3*.
- A bachelor’s degree* or higher AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2* determining eligibility for long-term care services.
- Satisfactory completion of the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs will be considered toward experience.
Additional information:
- King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.
- The work schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM and offers the opportunity to telework once per week.
Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #00841.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Salary : $54,204 - $72,924
