DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4
State of Washington, Bay View, MD, United States
Description
Public Benefits Specialist 4 - Case Planning and Support Specialist
The Economic Services Administration’s (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) invites applications for the Public Benefits Specialists 4 (PBS4) - Case Planning and Support Specialist (CPSS) position at the Everett Community Service Office. DSHS values compassion, and this role offers a daily opportunity to help Washingtonians improve their lives.
The CPSS is the go‑to expert for clients navigating challenging life circumstances and the public systems designed to support them. This role requires the ability to read between the lines, build trust quickly, and connect individuals to the right mix of services, at the right time.
You’ll assess eligibility for multiple assistance programs, develop tailored case plans, coordinate with partners across healthcare, housing, employment, and more. Every decision matters; excellent judgment, a strong grasp of policy, and the ability to manage complexity with care are essential.
What You Will Do
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 of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
OR: A bachelor’s degree or higher AND twelve months of 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 may substitute for degree and PBS work experience requirements. Total must include at least one‑year equivalent work experience. Examples of equivalent experience include but are not limited to:
Providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities.
Experience examining/processing loan applications.
Medical insurance or rehabilitation claims.
Unemployment insurance claims.
Providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.
AND: Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
Out‑of‑state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance, including financial, medical and food benefit programs, will be considered toward experience. Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Eligibility expertise – deep knowledge of Washington’s public assistance programs and the ability to assess and re‑determine eligibility with accuracy.
Policy fluency – comfort navigating and applying WAC, RCW, and internal procedural manuals is essential.
Case planning insight – strong understanding of how to build service plans that are realistic, trauma‑informed, and grounded in each client’s context.
Analytical skills – interpreting complex data and documentation to make fast, high‑stakes decisions.
Communication – clear, respectful, and empathetic communication, especially when explaining tough decisions or diffusing high‑tension situations.
Crisis navigation – working calmly with people in distress, staying grounded in professional boundaries.
Resilience and flexibility – adapt quickly to shifting programs and priorities, manage multiple tasks, and maintain high performance without burning out.
Contact Questions? Please contact
vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov
and reference job number 02428.
Equal Opportunity Statement Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate 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 or 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.
Benefits Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. Choose from a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your needs.
Medical, vision, dental, and basic life insurance (including coverage through multiple plans).
Medical flexible spending account for tax‑deferred healthcare expenses.
Basic life and long‑term disability insurance with optional additional coverage.
Dependent care assistance for pre‑tax savings on child or elder care expenses.
Auto, boat, home and renter insurance via payroll deduction.
Washington State Employee Assistance Program supporting health and well‑being.
State employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees can participate in two employer‑contributed retirement programs and the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. Qualified employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Leave Policies Full‑time employees receive paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Additional leave may be available through collective bargaining agreements. Sick and vacation leave accrue per WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or applicable agreements. Military, bereavement, parental, and FMLA leave are also provided as per state law.
Additional Information Prior to hiring, a background check may be conducted. This announcement may fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving for state business must have a valid driver’s license; those using a personal vehicle must have liability insurance.
Updated 01‑07‑2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Economic Services Administration’s (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) invites applications for the Public Benefits Specialists 4 (PBS4) - Case Planning and Support Specialist (CPSS) position at the Everett Community Service Office. DSHS values compassion, and this role offers a daily opportunity to help Washingtonians improve their lives.
The CPSS is the go‑to expert for clients navigating challenging life circumstances and the public systems designed to support them. This role requires the ability to read between the lines, build trust quickly, and connect individuals to the right mix of services, at the right time.
You’ll assess eligibility for multiple assistance programs, develop tailored case plans, coordinate with partners across healthcare, housing, employment, and more. Every decision matters; excellent judgment, a strong grasp of policy, and the ability to manage complexity with care are essential.
What You Will Do
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 of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
OR: A bachelor’s degree or higher AND twelve months of 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 may substitute for degree and PBS work experience requirements. Total must include at least one‑year equivalent work experience. Examples of equivalent experience include but are not limited to:
Providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities.
Experience examining/processing loan applications.
Medical insurance or rehabilitation claims.
Unemployment insurance claims.
Providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.
AND: Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
Out‑of‑state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance, including financial, medical and food benefit programs, will be considered toward experience. Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Eligibility expertise – deep knowledge of Washington’s public assistance programs and the ability to assess and re‑determine eligibility with accuracy.
Policy fluency – comfort navigating and applying WAC, RCW, and internal procedural manuals is essential.
Case planning insight – strong understanding of how to build service plans that are realistic, trauma‑informed, and grounded in each client’s context.
Analytical skills – interpreting complex data and documentation to make fast, high‑stakes decisions.
Communication – clear, respectful, and empathetic communication, especially when explaining tough decisions or diffusing high‑tension situations.
Crisis navigation – working calmly with people in distress, staying grounded in professional boundaries.
Resilience and flexibility – adapt quickly to shifting programs and priorities, manage multiple tasks, and maintain high performance without burning out.
Contact Questions? Please contact
vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov
and reference job number 02428.
Equal Opportunity Statement Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate 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 or 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.
Benefits Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. Choose from a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your needs.
Medical, vision, dental, and basic life insurance (including coverage through multiple plans).
Medical flexible spending account for tax‑deferred healthcare expenses.
Basic life and long‑term disability insurance with optional additional coverage.
Dependent care assistance for pre‑tax savings on child or elder care expenses.
Auto, boat, home and renter insurance via payroll deduction.
Washington State Employee Assistance Program supporting health and well‑being.
State employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees can participate in two employer‑contributed retirement programs and the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. Qualified employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Leave Policies Full‑time employees receive paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Additional leave may be available through collective bargaining agreements. Sick and vacation leave accrue per WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or applicable agreements. Military, bereavement, parental, and FMLA leave are also provided as per state law.
Additional Information Prior to hiring, a background check may be conducted. This announcement may fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving for state business must have a valid driver’s license; those using a personal vehicle must have liability insurance.
Updated 01‑07‑2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr