DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4
State of Washington, Bay View, MD, United States
DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4, Leadworker
Elevate your career in a lead role that truly makes a difference! The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division, has an opportunity for a Public Benefit Specialist 4 (PBS4) to join our team in Wenatchee, WA. This full‑time office position provides hands‑on support and leadership to staff and clients.
Overview As a Leadworker you will lead a team of Public Benefits Specialists who process cash, medical, and food benefits. Your responsibilities include assigning work, conducting thorough audits, and ensuring both new and experienced staff maintain high service delivery standards. You will identify error trends, provide targeted coaching, and help shape team development and efficiency.
In addition to leadership, you will perform complex tasks such as establishing financial eligibility, interpreting rules, developing procedures, verifying overpayments, making referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery, and reviewing cases for accuracy. You will engage with staff, agencies, and the community to clarify information and support clients throughout their application process.
What You'll Do
Assign work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits.
Perform complex duties related to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development.
Verify and establish overpayments and complete referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
Audit and review the work of Public Benefits Specialist staff, establishing reports and recommendations regarding staff progress.
Detect error trends through audits to identify training needs.
Serve as a job coach for staff.
Maintain and review procedures for efficient workflow.
Review cases and independently analyze case actions for accuracy, contacting staff, agencies, and the community as necessary for clarification.
Use a basic understanding of the administrative hearing process to review cases and determine whether a hearing request can be settled prior to submission.
Assist customers with the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of the clients.
Investigate and resolve customer complaints.
What We're Looking For
Extensive knowledge of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and procedural manuals needed to determine eligibility for all programs administered by the CSD.
Proficiency with all computer programs used by the Community Service Division.
Frequent review of data in the state’s computer systems to make accurate decisions.
Excellent interaction with all DSHS staff and the public, served with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.
Independent planning and management of multiple financial cases or projects to meet specified timelines.
Ability to stay calm under pressure and manage job‑related stress.
Effective performance in a fast‑paced environment, demonstrating flexibility in completing multiple assignments while meeting performance standards.
Who Should Apply
Professionals with 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
or a Bachelor’s degree or higher AND at least 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long‑term care services.
or 5 years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience, including at least 12 months of work experience equivalent to PBS duties. Examples of equivalent experience include:
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 job analysis, verification, and evaluation of financial data and information.
AND Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
Application Requirements
Updated resume.
Three professional references with contact information.
Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number
#02361 .
Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Access The Department of Social and Health Services’ vision is to provide human services that shape people’s lives. We strive to bring an equity, anti‑racism, and social justice commitment to all work, affirming the representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, individuals with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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.
Benefits Overview Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. Benefits include medical (including vision), dental, and basic life insurance; flexible spending accounts; basic life and long‑term disability insurance; retirement programs through the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP); federal Social Security and Medicare; public service loan forgiveness; paid holidays; paid personal holidays; sick leave; vacation (annual leave) per WAC 357‑31‑165; and leave for military, bereavement, parental, and family medical reasons. Additional leave options and detailed information are available on the State HR website.
Additional Resources Updated 01‑07‑2026. For more information about benefits and leave policies, please visit the State HR website.
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Overview As a Leadworker you will lead a team of Public Benefits Specialists who process cash, medical, and food benefits. Your responsibilities include assigning work, conducting thorough audits, and ensuring both new and experienced staff maintain high service delivery standards. You will identify error trends, provide targeted coaching, and help shape team development and efficiency.
In addition to leadership, you will perform complex tasks such as establishing financial eligibility, interpreting rules, developing procedures, verifying overpayments, making referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery, and reviewing cases for accuracy. You will engage with staff, agencies, and the community to clarify information and support clients throughout their application process.
What You'll Do
Assign work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits.
Perform complex duties related to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development.
Verify and establish overpayments and complete referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
Audit and review the work of Public Benefits Specialist staff, establishing reports and recommendations regarding staff progress.
Detect error trends through audits to identify training needs.
Serve as a job coach for staff.
Maintain and review procedures for efficient workflow.
Review cases and independently analyze case actions for accuracy, contacting staff, agencies, and the community as necessary for clarification.
Use a basic understanding of the administrative hearing process to review cases and determine whether a hearing request can be settled prior to submission.
Assist customers with the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of the clients.
Investigate and resolve customer complaints.
What We're Looking For
Extensive knowledge of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and procedural manuals needed to determine eligibility for all programs administered by the CSD.
Proficiency with all computer programs used by the Community Service Division.
Frequent review of data in the state’s computer systems to make accurate decisions.
Excellent interaction with all DSHS staff and the public, served with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.
Independent planning and management of multiple financial cases or projects to meet specified timelines.
Ability to stay calm under pressure and manage job‑related stress.
Effective performance in a fast‑paced environment, demonstrating flexibility in completing multiple assignments while meeting performance standards.
Who Should Apply
Professionals with 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
or a Bachelor’s degree or higher AND at least 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long‑term care services.
or 5 years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience, including at least 12 months of work experience equivalent to PBS duties. Examples of equivalent experience include:
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 job analysis, verification, and evaluation of financial data and information.
AND Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
Application Requirements
Updated resume.
Three professional references with contact information.
Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number
#02361 .
Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Access The Department of Social and Health Services’ vision is to provide human services that shape people’s lives. We strive to bring an equity, anti‑racism, and social justice commitment to all work, affirming the representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, individuals with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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.
Benefits Overview Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. Benefits include medical (including vision), dental, and basic life insurance; flexible spending accounts; basic life and long‑term disability insurance; retirement programs through the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP); federal Social Security and Medicare; public service loan forgiveness; paid holidays; paid personal holidays; sick leave; vacation (annual leave) per WAC 357‑31‑165; and leave for military, bereavement, parental, and family medical reasons. Additional leave options and detailed information are available on the State HR website.
Additional Resources Updated 01‑07‑2026. For more information about benefits and leave policies, please visit the State HR website.
#J-18808-Ljbffr