DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS 4)
Are you ready to make a lasting impact in your community? The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division has an exciting opportunity for multiple Case Planning and Support Specialists to join our Virtual Case Management Team. 

The Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) serves as lead worker and is expected to possess a high level of proficiency in all
public benefit programs. The position is responsible to audit, coach, train and guide lower level Public Benefits Specialists.
Also performs case audits/reviews and observational audits.

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:


Some of what you'll do:

• Assign and monitor work for Public Benefits Specialist staff processing cash, food, and medical assistance, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality service delivery.

• Audit and review casework to ensure accuracy and compliance, identify error trends, and recommend training or performance improvement strategies.

• Coach and mentor staff, providing guidance on complex eligibility determinations, program rules, and effective case management practices.

• Conduct intensive interviews to determine eligibility for state and federal public assistance programs, and resolve complex customer inquiries and complaints.

• Analyze and process case actions in ACES, Barcode, eJAS, and other systems, ensuring alignment with federal and state regulations and timelines.

• Engage in community outreach activities to increase awareness of public benefit programs, build partnerships, and support culturally competent service delivery.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to clarify case details, verify eligibility, settle hearing requests when appropriate, and refer clients to relevant services.

• 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:

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

5 years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience may substitute for degree and PBS work experience

requirements. Total must include at least one year equivalent work experience. Examples of equivalent experience

include but are not limited to:

· Providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities

· Experience examining/processing loan applications,

· Medical insurance or rehabilitation claims,

· Unemployment insurance claims, or

· Providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data

and information,

AND

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:

• The work schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM with 2 - 4 days per month in office.

Questions? 
Please contact jesus.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference job number 2025-02361.


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 : $54,204 - $72,924