DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3
Washington State, Toppenish, Washington, United States, 98948
DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3
Overview Economic Services Administration, Community Service Division has an exciting entry-level position as a Public Benefits Specialist, with training provided. This role involves working on-site at our Toppenish Community Service Office (CSO). When you work for us, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians. This full-time career can be a gateway to a rewarding profession in public service.
Those hired into the Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 training plan with ESA CSD can expect a minimum monthly salary of $4,428.00 (Range 43, Step G). This salary will increase as the employee progresses through training. Projected timelines and ranges for this progression are shown below.
Salary Progression In Training Steps
Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,428.00 Step G – $5,011.00 Step L (6 months)
Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,428.00 Step D – $5,398.00 Step L (6 months)
Public Benefits Specialist 3: $4,882.00 Step E – $5,812.00 Step L
What You’ll Do As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will help people applying for public assistance services through face-to-face interactions and over the phone. You will determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews, obtaining information from individuals and third parties. You will also process applications received online and process all case actions using the appropriate computer programs.
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, applications, 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.
Grow and Training A career in public service can be demanding yet rewarding. Your customers come from diverse backgrounds and speak many languages. There is a lot to learn, and classroom training is a big part of the beginning. We’ll be with you every step of the way.
Qualifications We would like to hire someone who has the education and/or experience listed below and is eager to make a difference:
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 (College education can substitute year-for-year for experience).
OR one year of equivalent, out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs.
Thrives in a standardized work setting.
Is able to 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.
Refrains from personal bias when determining eligibility.
Prioritizes and performs multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions.
Interested? Application Information 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? Email the recruiter at vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 00711.
Additional Information The Department of Social and Health Services’ vision emphasizes belonging, shared values, meaningful work, and social justice. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, people with disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information: Prior to a new hire, a background check may be conducted. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license and, if using a privately owned vehicle, liability insurance. E–Verify and equal opportunity employment statements apply. For details on benefits, visit the State HR or PEBB websites.
Updated 01-07-2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Overview Economic Services Administration, Community Service Division has an exciting entry-level position as a Public Benefits Specialist, with training provided. This role involves working on-site at our Toppenish Community Service Office (CSO). When you work for us, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians. This full-time career can be a gateway to a rewarding profession in public service.
Those hired into the Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 training plan with ESA CSD can expect a minimum monthly salary of $4,428.00 (Range 43, Step G). This salary will increase as the employee progresses through training. Projected timelines and ranges for this progression are shown below.
Salary Progression In Training Steps
Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,428.00 Step G – $5,011.00 Step L (6 months)
Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,428.00 Step D – $5,398.00 Step L (6 months)
Public Benefits Specialist 3: $4,882.00 Step E – $5,812.00 Step L
What You’ll Do As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will help people applying for public assistance services through face-to-face interactions and over the phone. You will determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews, obtaining information from individuals and third parties. You will also process applications received online and process all case actions using the appropriate computer programs.
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, applications, 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.
Grow and Training A career in public service can be demanding yet rewarding. Your customers come from diverse backgrounds and speak many languages. There is a lot to learn, and classroom training is a big part of the beginning. We’ll be with you every step of the way.
Qualifications We would like to hire someone who has the education and/or experience listed below and is eager to make a difference:
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 (College education can substitute year-for-year for experience).
OR one year of equivalent, out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs.
Thrives in a standardized work setting.
Is able to 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.
Refrains from personal bias when determining eligibility.
Prioritizes and performs multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions.
Interested? Application Information 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? Email the recruiter at vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 00711.
Additional Information The Department of Social and Health Services’ vision emphasizes belonging, shared values, meaningful work, and social justice. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, people with disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information: Prior to a new hire, a background check may be conducted. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license and, if using a privately owned vehicle, liability insurance. E–Verify and equal opportunity employment statements apply. For details on benefits, visit the State HR or PEBB websites.
Updated 01-07-2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr