Public Benefits Specialist 4 – Case Planning and Support Specialist
The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) invites applicants to join the Spokane Trent Community Service Office as a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) – Case Planning and Support Specialist (CPSS). This role supports Washingtonians by navigating public assistance programs and coordinating with partners in healthcare, housing, employment, and more.
Responsibilities
Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for public assistance, including cash, food, and medical programs.
Facilitate program orientations and explain benefit pathways clearly and empathetically.
Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans to address barriers and support employment goals.
Refer clients to services such as domestic violence support, substance use treatment, mental health counselling, housing, and job training.
Coordinate with external agencies and service providers to align support plans.
Review and interpret complex documents – court orders, leases, medical notes – to determine appropriate program fit.
Authorize and track supportive services such as transportation, childcare, or work clothing.
Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date case notes and documentation in multiple systems (ACES, Barcode, eJAS, HPF, etc.).
Respond to case audits, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
Participate in outreach efforts, home visits, and client advocacy as needed.
Qualifications
Twelve months experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
Or a bachelor's degree or higher AND twelve months experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long‑term care services.
Or five years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience substituting for degree and PBS work experience requirements; total must include at least one year equivalent work experience.
Examples of equivalent experience include: providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities; experience examining or processing loan applications; medical insurance or rehabilitation claims; unemployment insurance claims; staff support in financial eligibility determination or job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.
Successful completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
Out‑of‑state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance will be considered toward experience.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired
Eligibility expertise – deep knowledge of Washington’s public assistance programs.
Policy fluency – ability to navigate and apply WAC, RCW, and internal procedural manuals.
Case planning insight – build realistic, trauma‑informed service plans.
Analytical skills – interpret complex data and documentation quickly and accurately.
Communication – clear, respectful, and empathetic communication.
Crisis navigation – maintain calm and professional boundaries when working with distressed individuals.
Resilience and flexibility – adapt quickly, manage multiple tasks, and maintain high performance without burnout.
Why Work With DSHS Our mission is to provide equitable, accessible human services. We 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.
Benefits Washington State offers a competitive benefits package. Employees and families are covered by medical, vision, dental, and basic life insurance. Additional benefits include flexible spending accounts, long‑term disability insurance, enhanced retirement plans, deferred compensation, Social Security, public service loan forgiveness, paid holidays, sick leave, vacation, military leave, bereavement leave, and additional leave options. Detailed information is available on the Public Employees Benefits Board website and the DSHS HR website.
How to Apply Apply today! For questions, contact saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov or call the Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725‑5810. Reference job number 01252.
Equal Opportunity Statement Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment or program participation on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, 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 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.
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Responsibilities
Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for public assistance, including cash, food, and medical programs.
Facilitate program orientations and explain benefit pathways clearly and empathetically.
Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans to address barriers and support employment goals.
Refer clients to services such as domestic violence support, substance use treatment, mental health counselling, housing, and job training.
Coordinate with external agencies and service providers to align support plans.
Review and interpret complex documents – court orders, leases, medical notes – to determine appropriate program fit.
Authorize and track supportive services such as transportation, childcare, or work clothing.
Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date case notes and documentation in multiple systems (ACES, Barcode, eJAS, HPF, etc.).
Respond to case audits, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
Participate in outreach efforts, home visits, and client advocacy as needed.
Qualifications
Twelve months experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
Or a bachelor's degree or higher AND twelve months experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long‑term care services.
Or five years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience substituting for degree and PBS work experience requirements; total must include at least one year equivalent work experience.
Examples of equivalent experience include: providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities; experience examining or processing loan applications; medical insurance or rehabilitation claims; unemployment insurance claims; staff support in financial eligibility determination or job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.
Successful completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
Out‑of‑state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance will be considered toward experience.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired
Eligibility expertise – deep knowledge of Washington’s public assistance programs.
Policy fluency – ability to navigate and apply WAC, RCW, and internal procedural manuals.
Case planning insight – build realistic, trauma‑informed service plans.
Analytical skills – interpret complex data and documentation quickly and accurately.
Communication – clear, respectful, and empathetic communication.
Crisis navigation – maintain calm and professional boundaries when working with distressed individuals.
Resilience and flexibility – adapt quickly, manage multiple tasks, and maintain high performance without burnout.
Why Work With DSHS Our mission is to provide equitable, accessible human services. We 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.
Benefits Washington State offers a competitive benefits package. Employees and families are covered by medical, vision, dental, and basic life insurance. Additional benefits include flexible spending accounts, long‑term disability insurance, enhanced retirement plans, deferred compensation, Social Security, public service loan forgiveness, paid holidays, sick leave, vacation, military leave, bereavement leave, and additional leave options. Detailed information is available on the Public Employees Benefits Board website and the DSHS HR website.
How to Apply Apply today! For questions, contact saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov or call the Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725‑5810. Reference job number 01252.
Equal Opportunity Statement Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment or program participation on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, 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 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr