DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 – Case Planning & Support Specialist

Economic Services Administration(ESA) Community Service Division has an exciting opportunity for Public Benefits Specialists 4 Case Planning and Support Specialist  to join our team in  Kennewick Community Service Office. When you work for DSHS's CSD, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians. This job is a rewarding opportunity for a career in public service delivering essential services and safety net programs to our communities. 

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:

The Public Benefits Specialist 4 Case Planning and Support Specialist (CPSS)) provides intensive and expert eligibility services and professional case planning for DSHS customers and is expected to possess a high level of proficiency in all public benefit programs. The position is responsible to conduct interviews and make eligibility determinations, complete detailed assessments of customer circumstances to make referrals for needed intensive services and to develop and monitor customer case plans.  

This position will have access to the Washington Health Plan Finder (HPF) system and personally identifiable information (PII). Per the Information Exchange Agreement No. 2013-02 between the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)and State-Based Exchanges for the disclosure of health insurance affordability programs information under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, passing a criminal background check is required for this position.

This position will have unsupervised access to vulnerable citizens. Certain criminal convictions, pending charges, and negative actions automatically disqualify a person from having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults, juveniles, and children.  Passing a criminal background check is required for this position.

Some of what you'll do:

• Conducts Orientation for Community Services division programs. 
• Determines each client eligibility and appropriateness for public assistance programs, including but not limited to Diversion Cash Assistance and performs more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility.
• Screens and refers clients for more intensive services such as: Domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health, employment and training services etc. 
• Develops, revises, monitors and updates case plans. 
• Identifies, analyzes and discusses client circumstances and refers to community resources and contractors to remove barriers and to support employment.
• Assesses the need for and authorizes appropriate support services.
• Analyzes and verifies complex legal documents and other forms of documentation to determine appropriate programs and service options available to clients

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities We Are Looking For:

• Exceptional understanding of eligibility, Community Services Division processes and appropriate computer programs (ACES, ACES Online, Barcode, e-Jas, ICMS, Washington Connections) 
• Duties require extensive and specialized financial knowledge as well as ability to interpret public laws and policies and the ability to make independent decisions 
• Must possess extensive knowledge of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and procedural manuals needed to determine eligibility for all programs administered by CSD 
• Must possess excellent communication skills both oral and written and provide outstanding customer service by phone 

What we're looking for: 

• Possess extensive knowledge of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and procedural manuals needed to determine eligibility for all programs administered by CSD.
• Proficiently utilize all computer programs in use by the Community Service Division.
• Frequently review data found in the State’s computer systems to make accurate decisions.
• Interact with all DSHS staff and serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy and responsiveness.
• Independently plan and manage multiple financial cases or projects to be completed within specified timelines.
• Stay calm under pressure, and effectively manage the stress of the job.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment and be able to demonstrate flexibility in completing multiple assignments while meeting performance standards. 

Who should apply?

• Professionals with 12 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’s 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
  • 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.

• Frequently review data found in the State’s computer systems to make accurate decisions.
• Interact with all DSHS staff and serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy and responsiveness.
• Independently plan and manage multiple financial cases or projects to be completed within specified timelines.
• Stay calm under pressure, and effectively manage the stress of the job. 
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment and be able to demonstrate flexibility in completing multiple assignments while meeting performance standards. 

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

Professionals with:

• 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:

1.Providing eligibility for services or direct customer services serving historically marginalized communities

2. Experience examining/processing loan applications,

3. Medical insurance or rehabilitation claims,

4. Unemployment insurance claims, or

5. 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 professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.

We would like to hire someone who:

• Thrives in a standardized work setting
• Can learn and utilize various computer programs
• Can 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

Interested? Apply Today!
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Cover letter describing your experience and why you would be a good candidate for the position.
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions? 
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Alex Baclaan at alex.baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #01355.

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