DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3
State of Washington, Bay View, Maryland, United States
DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3
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 Rainier 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.
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
Requirements We look forward to welcoming passionate individuals who meet the minimum requirements listed below and are eager to make a difference. See why others like you have chosen a career with us:
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.
Responsibilities
Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and ongoing 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.
How You'll Grow 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.
Additional 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.
Questions? Email the recruiter at
vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov
and reference job number 01389.
Benefits 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.
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.
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. 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 to control 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.
Leave and Holidays Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. 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 non‑overtime 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‑rated 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.
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 accrual of sick leave 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.
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 non‑overtime 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 on a pro‑rated basis. 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.
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, Parental Leave, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Leave Without Pay. Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
EEO Statement 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 Rainier 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.
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
Requirements We look forward to welcoming passionate individuals who meet the minimum requirements listed below and are eager to make a difference. See why others like you have chosen a career with us:
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.
Responsibilities
Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and ongoing 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.
How You'll Grow 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.
Additional 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.
Questions? Email the recruiter at
vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov
and reference job number 01389.
Benefits 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.
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.
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. 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 to control 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.
Leave and Holidays Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. 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 non‑overtime 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‑rated 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.
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 accrual of sick leave 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.
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 non‑overtime 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 on a pro‑rated basis. 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.
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, Parental Leave, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Leave Without Pay. Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
EEO Statement 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr