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DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

State of Washington, Port Angeles, Washington, United States, 98362

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Overview DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

Economic Services Administration, Community Service Division, has an entry-level Public Benefits Specialist position with training provided. This full-time role is on-site at the Port Angeles Community Service Office (CSO). It offers a pathway to a rewarding career in public service and the chance to help Washingtonians in need.

Salary progression during training provides a minimum monthly salary of $4,428.00 (Range 43, Step G), with increases as training progresses. Projected timelines and ranges 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

Responsibilities 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:

Process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, SNAP, and Medicaid programs using internal software.

Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.

Gather and review data, applications, and verification for each benefit program as it relates to individual circumstances.

Process all applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements based on household income and size.

Explain program requirements, procedures, and verification needs, and answer questions about benefits or services to clients.

How you’ll grow A career in public service can be demanding yet rewarding. Classroom training is a big part of the beginning, and ongoing support is provided as you learn.

Qualifications

Four years in a customer service job with public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determination (e.g., examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance). College education can substitute year-for-year for experience.

OR one year of equivalent out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance including financial, medical, and food benefit programs.

We would like to hire someone who

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, assisting underserved populations, and discussing confidential or 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 interruptions.

Interested? 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 alex.baclaan@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 00881.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision is to shape lives through human services with fairness, access, and social justice. We support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history may be conducted. This may be considered in determining suitability. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license and liability insurance if using a privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information. Accommodation requests in the application process may be directed to the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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