State of Washington
LCD ES Benefits Specialist 2 (In-Training) -Telework
State of Washington, Walla Walla, Washington, United States
LCD ES Benefits Specialist 2 (In-Training) -Telework
Join to apply for the LCD ES Benefits Specialist 2 (In-Training) -Telework role at State of Washington. Description
The ideal candidate will have critical thinking skills, insightful ability for decision?making, can work independently, in a group setting, and/or a virtual environment, while being comfortable with evolving technology. They will be able to adapt to varying directives, have keen attention to detail, and will be able to maintain professionalism while handling sensitive and confidential information. As our ES Benefits Specialist, you will display empathy, compassion, and resourcefulness while providing excellent service to both internal and external customers. Daily duties may include reviewing and analyzing information obtained through source documents and client/customer interviews to determine eligibility, making adjudicative decisions, and ensuring compliance with the Paid Family & Medical Leave standards. You will verify employers financial records and beneficiaries medical documentation, provide world?class customer care directly to employers and employees via phone and email, and ensure equitable access to services and benefits of the program. These positions are primarily remote, though successful candidates may occasionally be asked to travel to the nearest office in their region. The anticipated start date for this position is March 16, 2026. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions. Duties
As an ES Benefits Specialist (in?training), you will serve as the face of the program for customer interactions, while educating customers on program requirements and available services. These positions are in?training, advancing after successful completion of the in?training plan, which includes on?the?job and classroom training. What a Typical Day Looks Like Processing and adjudicating routine and complex Paid Family and Medical Leave claims. Reviewing documents such as wage and hour information, identity verification and medical certifications to determine eligibility for Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits. Fact finding for additional documentation and supporting evidence. Processing weekly claims and identifying need for corrections or adjustments to ensure timely and accurate benefit payments. Processing and adjudicating both monetary and non?monetary benefit redeterminations. Providing excellent customer service to a high volume of customer communications via phones, secure messaging and emails. Initiating and responding to routine and complex correspondence and inquiries from claimants and/or their representatives, employers, other public programs and healthcare providers.
For a full description of duties, please click here to request from the recruiter: PDF Request. Salaries For These Levels Are Benefit Specialist In?Training: $49,428 - $66,372 annually Benefit Specialist 2: $54,504 - $73,284 annually
Qualifications
Required: Option 1: Five (5) years of equivalent education/experience. Option 2: One (1) year as an ES Benefit Specialist 1. Option 3: One (1) year of experience equivalent to the ES Benefits Specialist 1 with another state that administers insurance benefits programs. Option 4: Associates Degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field and three (3) years of the required experience below. Option 5: Bachelors Degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field and one (1) year of the required experience below.
The Required Experience Includes
Claims Processing and Adjudication: Skill in processing and adjudicating claims. Documentation and Verification: Ability to document and verify benefit requests. Fact?Finding and Advising: Ability to gather facts and advise on rights and responsibilities. Legal Compliance and Decision Making: Ability to make decisions based on laws and policies. Program Knowledge and Communication: Ability to explain program requirements and services. Problem Resolution and Communication: Skill in resolving issues and communicating outcomes. Adaptability, Versatility and Task Management: Ability to perform various tasks as needed including those of lower?level positions.
Required Equity Competencies
The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others. Education To Experience Equivalences
Associate degree = 2 years | bachelors degree = 4 years | Masters = 5 years. Additional Requirement Of Employment
Must be able to pass Unemployment Insurance (UI) & Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.
Application Instructions
Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy. Please submit your Cover Letter, 3 professional references and Resume with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review. NOTE: ONLY COMPLETED APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED. Cover Letter, 3 professional references and resume. Supplemental Information
Our agency's mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key, that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value and trust our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self. Opportunity for All
We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Cheyenne Pernites, 253?593?7327 or the Talent Acquisition Team, or Washington Relay Service 711. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664?1960 or toll free (877) 664?1960. This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency?wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement. This organization participates in E?Verify.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read About Our Benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available for full?time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full?time work (e.g. part?time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full?time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax?deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long?term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre?tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well?being of employees. Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre?tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not?for?profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays
Full?time and part?time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full?time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part?time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro?rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full?time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave
Full?time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full?time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part?time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full?time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full?time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357?31?165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full?time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part?time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357?31?165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro?rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full?time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in WAC 357?58?175, an employer may authorize a lump?sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357?31?165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave
Leave Sharing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 07?21?2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Join to apply for the LCD ES Benefits Specialist 2 (In-Training) -Telework role at State of Washington. Description
The ideal candidate will have critical thinking skills, insightful ability for decision?making, can work independently, in a group setting, and/or a virtual environment, while being comfortable with evolving technology. They will be able to adapt to varying directives, have keen attention to detail, and will be able to maintain professionalism while handling sensitive and confidential information. As our ES Benefits Specialist, you will display empathy, compassion, and resourcefulness while providing excellent service to both internal and external customers. Daily duties may include reviewing and analyzing information obtained through source documents and client/customer interviews to determine eligibility, making adjudicative decisions, and ensuring compliance with the Paid Family & Medical Leave standards. You will verify employers financial records and beneficiaries medical documentation, provide world?class customer care directly to employers and employees via phone and email, and ensure equitable access to services and benefits of the program. These positions are primarily remote, though successful candidates may occasionally be asked to travel to the nearest office in their region. The anticipated start date for this position is March 16, 2026. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions. Duties
As an ES Benefits Specialist (in?training), you will serve as the face of the program for customer interactions, while educating customers on program requirements and available services. These positions are in?training, advancing after successful completion of the in?training plan, which includes on?the?job and classroom training. What a Typical Day Looks Like Processing and adjudicating routine and complex Paid Family and Medical Leave claims. Reviewing documents such as wage and hour information, identity verification and medical certifications to determine eligibility for Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits. Fact finding for additional documentation and supporting evidence. Processing weekly claims and identifying need for corrections or adjustments to ensure timely and accurate benefit payments. Processing and adjudicating both monetary and non?monetary benefit redeterminations. Providing excellent customer service to a high volume of customer communications via phones, secure messaging and emails. Initiating and responding to routine and complex correspondence and inquiries from claimants and/or their representatives, employers, other public programs and healthcare providers.
For a full description of duties, please click here to request from the recruiter: PDF Request. Salaries For These Levels Are Benefit Specialist In?Training: $49,428 - $66,372 annually Benefit Specialist 2: $54,504 - $73,284 annually
Qualifications
Required: Option 1: Five (5) years of equivalent education/experience. Option 2: One (1) year as an ES Benefit Specialist 1. Option 3: One (1) year of experience equivalent to the ES Benefits Specialist 1 with another state that administers insurance benefits programs. Option 4: Associates Degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field and three (3) years of the required experience below. Option 5: Bachelors Degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field and one (1) year of the required experience below.
The Required Experience Includes
Claims Processing and Adjudication: Skill in processing and adjudicating claims. Documentation and Verification: Ability to document and verify benefit requests. Fact?Finding and Advising: Ability to gather facts and advise on rights and responsibilities. Legal Compliance and Decision Making: Ability to make decisions based on laws and policies. Program Knowledge and Communication: Ability to explain program requirements and services. Problem Resolution and Communication: Skill in resolving issues and communicating outcomes. Adaptability, Versatility and Task Management: Ability to perform various tasks as needed including those of lower?level positions.
Required Equity Competencies
The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others. Education To Experience Equivalences
Associate degree = 2 years | bachelors degree = 4 years | Masters = 5 years. Additional Requirement Of Employment
Must be able to pass Unemployment Insurance (UI) & Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.
Application Instructions
Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy. Please submit your Cover Letter, 3 professional references and Resume with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review. NOTE: ONLY COMPLETED APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED. Cover Letter, 3 professional references and resume. Supplemental Information
Our agency's mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key, that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value and trust our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self. Opportunity for All
We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Cheyenne Pernites, 253?593?7327 or the Talent Acquisition Team, or Washington Relay Service 711. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664?1960 or toll free (877) 664?1960. This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency?wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement. This organization participates in E?Verify.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read About Our Benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available for full?time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full?time work (e.g. part?time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full?time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax?deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long?term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre?tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well?being of employees. Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre?tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not?for?profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays
Full?time and part?time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full?time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part?time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro?rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full?time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave
Full?time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full?time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part?time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full?time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full?time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357?31?165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full?time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part?time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357?31?165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro?rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full?time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in WAC 357?58?175, an employer may authorize a lump?sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357?31?165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave
Leave Sharing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 07?21?2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr