DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 5 (Oak Harbor)
State of Washington, Oak Harbor, Washington, United States, 98278
Salary:
$5,011.00 - $6,735.00 Monthly Location :
Island County - Oak Harbor, WA Job Type:
Full Time - Permanent Job Number:
2026-00101 Department:
Dept. of Social and Health Services Division:
ESA Opening Date:
02/03/2026 Closing Date:
2/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Salary Information:
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 5
The , has a leadership opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist Supervisor (PBS5) to join our team in Oak Harbor, WA.
This role directly supervises and manages workflow and quality assurance for a unit of Public Benefits Specialists and lead workers within a Community Services Office (CSO).
This role is a fundamental part of maintaining accountability and integrity of all CSD programs by providing quality control and insuring payment accuracy. The position Influences outcomes and builds strategic partnerships with entities, such as other state agencies and local community offices for the delivery of human services to individuals, families and communities.
This role 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. Some of what you'll do: Supervises a unit of Public Benefits Specialists 1-4 who gather information and determine client eligibility for public assistance programs. Conducts or arranges for timely technical and professional training for staff, including the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training for new staff. Conducts regular and productive unit and 1:1 meeting with staff. Explains policies, rules, procedures and agency goals and performance information to unit staff. Analyzing, monitoring and assigning unit tasks, workload, and performance standards to ensure smooth flow of work. Completing employee performance appraisals and annual performance evaluations to review. Assist customers with the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of clients. Administering and adhering to provisions in the collective bargaining agreement and personnel rules. Analyzing agency policy and practices and collaborating with other supervisors/management to develop, modify, or improve local policies and procedures. Effectively manage and maintain partnership relations with community partners. Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities that we're looking for:
Ability to build effective working relationships with assigned subordinate lead workers, administration officials, management team, service staff, partner agencies, contract providers, and the public. Effectively manage and maintain partnership relations with community partners. Ability to analyze and evaluate performance data, identify trends, create reports, to communicate findings and issues to stakeholders. Maintain working knowledge of eligibility for all public assistance programs. Ability to assist others in interpretation and analysis of data. Who should apply?
One year of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3 or 4.
OR
Bachelor's degree and three years of experience examining/processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or a job providing staff support in public assistance eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.
Three years of out-of-state experience, conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs will be considered toward experience.
Note:
Related or closely related employment experience may substitute year for year for education. Interested? Apply today! Please include the following with your application:
Cover letter, resume and current contact information for three professional references.
Questions?
Email the recruiter at and reference job number 00101.
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 a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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.
Supplemental Information 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. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security 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
$5,011.00 - $6,735.00 Monthly Location :
Island County - Oak Harbor, WA Job Type:
Full Time - Permanent Job Number:
2026-00101 Department:
Dept. of Social and Health Services Division:
ESA Opening Date:
02/03/2026 Closing Date:
2/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Salary Information:
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 5
The , has a leadership opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist Supervisor (PBS5) to join our team in Oak Harbor, WA.
This role directly supervises and manages workflow and quality assurance for a unit of Public Benefits Specialists and lead workers within a Community Services Office (CSO).
This role is a fundamental part of maintaining accountability and integrity of all CSD programs by providing quality control and insuring payment accuracy. The position Influences outcomes and builds strategic partnerships with entities, such as other state agencies and local community offices for the delivery of human services to individuals, families and communities.
This role 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. Some of what you'll do: Supervises a unit of Public Benefits Specialists 1-4 who gather information and determine client eligibility for public assistance programs. Conducts or arranges for timely technical and professional training for staff, including the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training for new staff. Conducts regular and productive unit and 1:1 meeting with staff. Explains policies, rules, procedures and agency goals and performance information to unit staff. Analyzing, monitoring and assigning unit tasks, workload, and performance standards to ensure smooth flow of work. Completing employee performance appraisals and annual performance evaluations to review. Assist customers with the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of clients. Administering and adhering to provisions in the collective bargaining agreement and personnel rules. Analyzing agency policy and practices and collaborating with other supervisors/management to develop, modify, or improve local policies and procedures. Effectively manage and maintain partnership relations with community partners. Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities that we're looking for:
Ability to build effective working relationships with assigned subordinate lead workers, administration officials, management team, service staff, partner agencies, contract providers, and the public. Effectively manage and maintain partnership relations with community partners. Ability to analyze and evaluate performance data, identify trends, create reports, to communicate findings and issues to stakeholders. Maintain working knowledge of eligibility for all public assistance programs. Ability to assist others in interpretation and analysis of data. Who should apply?
One year of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3 or 4.
OR
Bachelor's degree and three years of experience examining/processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or a job providing staff support in public assistance eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.
Three years of out-of-state experience, conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs will be considered toward experience.
Note:
Related or closely related employment experience may substitute year for year for education. Interested? Apply today! Please include the following with your application:
Cover letter, resume and current contact information for three professional references.
Questions?
Email the recruiter at and reference job number 00101.
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 a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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.
Supplemental Information 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. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security 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