DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

DSHS ESA - Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 The Economic Services Administration (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) is hiring multiple Public Benefits Specialists. This hybrid position begins with in‑office work and transitions to teleworking after initial training. The role is based in Washington state’s statewide call center, combining remote and in‑person service to help Washingtonians access essential public assistance. Employees located in Pierce County are eligible for an Orca card for transportation reimbursement. Salary Progression (During Training) Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,428 per month, Step G – $5,011 per month, Step L (6 months) Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,428 per month, Step D – $5,398 per month, Step L (6 months) Public Benefits Specialist 3: $4,882 per month, Step E – $5,812 per month, Step L Responsibilities As a Public Benefits Specialist you will: Process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility for Financial, Child Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs using internal software. Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility. Gather and review data, applications, and verification for each benefit program. 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, and answer questions regarding benefits or available services to clients. Career Management A career in public service can be demanding yet rewarding. Your customers come from diverse backgrounds and speak many languages. Classroom training is a core part of the beginning, and we will support you every step of the way. Qualifications – Education & Experience Four years in a customer service role where the major duties involved public contact, or staff support in financial eligibility determination, such as examining or processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims (college education can substitute year-for-year). One year of equivalent out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance programs, including financial, medical, and food benefit programs. Desired Skills & Attributes Thrives in a standardized work setting. Able to learn and utilize various computer programs. Can communicate effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, working with people who have communication challenges, assisting underserved populations, and discussing confidential and unpleasant options, in person and over the phone. Works with complex technical regulations and procedures, analyzing complex situations. Refrains from personal bias when determining eligibility. Prioritizes and performs multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions. Benefits Insurance Benefits Medical (including vision), dental, and basic life insurance are provided. Multiple medical plans offer coverage throughout the state. Staff may enroll in a medical flexible spending account and optional additional coverage. Dependent care assistance, auto, boat, home, and renter insurance are available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes health and well‑being. Retirement And Deferred Compensation State employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees may choose between two employer‑contributed retirement programs. The Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) allows employees to defer pre‑tax salary dollars with 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 Employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if they meet the qualifying criteria. Leave & Paid Time Off Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays (one personal holiday per year, additional days for union members) and paid personal holidays. Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month; overtime‑eligible employees earn proportionate accruals. Vacation accrual rates are specified by Washington Administrative Code, with pro‑rata support for part‑time employees. Military leave and bereavement leave policies also apply. Equal Opportunity Employer The 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. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Contact Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton at vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #02826.

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