Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 In-Training (PBS3) Spokane/Yakima
State of Washington, Bay View, WA, United States
Our vision is to ensure that “All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community.”
Location
Spokane Valley – hybrid position; must be willing and able to commute to 8517 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99212.
Yakima – hybrid position; must be willing and able to commute to 1002 N 16th Ave., Yakima, WA 98901.
Closes: April 9th, 2026
Salary:
Public Benefits Specialist 1 (PBS1) : $4,428 – $5,137 monthly;
Public Benefits Specialist 2 (PBS2) : $4,653 – $5,531 monthly;
Public Benefits Specialist 3 (PBS3) : $4,882 – $5,956 monthly.
The Opportunity The Public Benefits Specialist conducts interviews, reviews information, and makes eligibility determinations for child‑care subsidy assistance. The incumbent uses extensive financial knowledge and the ability to interpret public laws and policies to make independent decisions and provide customer service to support children receiving early education.
Some Of What You Will Do
Conduct intensive interviews with customers to determine eligibility for services or continued eligibility when notifying the program of changes of circumstances for Child Care benefits.
Process Child Care applications received from the Washington Connection online applications, in the Document Management System (DMS), and through interactive interviews.
Analyze collected oral and written information to determine accurate benefits and continued program eligibility.
Finalize Child Care applications and reapplications with verified information for accurate determination of eligibility.
Refer clients to both mandatory and optional services, including other agencies as required.
Ensure limited English‑proficient clients receive properly translated forms and state‑certified translation services.
Authorize Working Connections Child Care Subsidy payment to approved Licensed facility and Family Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Subsidy Providers through the Social Services Payment System (SSPS).
Compute and initiate over‑payments and client notifications when necessary.
Issue reimbursements and benefits when appropriate to correct under‑issuances.
Assist Child Care Providers with subsidy payment information and other requirements to receive subsidy.
Required Qualifications Public Benefits Specialist 1 (PBS1)
One year of experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance, including financial, medical, and food benefit programs.
OR
A bachelor’s degree AND experience examining/processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or a customer service job where the major duties involve public contact, or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination (substitutes for education).
Public Benefits Specialist 2 (PBS2)
Six months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 1 and completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
OR
One year of experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance (financial, medical, food programs) and completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
Public Benefits Specialist 3 (PBS3)
Nine months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2.
OR
Fifteen months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 1 and satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
OR
Equivalent combination of education and/or experience determining eligibility for financial, medical, food, long‑term services and support programs, childcare and equal access benefits totaling 18 months.
Additional Qualifications
Demonstrated experience working in a high‑volume customer service environment.
One year of experience working in a call center environment.
Prior experience determining eligibility for public programs.
EEO Statement DCYF is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, veteran status, disability, or use of a trained service animal.
Benefits Insurance Benefits
Medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.
Multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums.
Flexible spending accounts for medical expenses.
Basic life and long‑term disability insurance with optional additional coverage.
Dependent care assistance with pre‑tax dollars.
Optional auto, boat, home, and renter insurance via payroll deduction.
Washington State Employee Assistance Program.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) membership with employer‑contributed two retirement programs.
Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) for additional retirement savings.
Social Security
Coverage under federal Social Security and Medicare systems; equal employer and employee contributions.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible employees may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Leaves and Holidays
Paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave per WAC 357‑31‑165. Part‑time employees accrue on a pro‑rated basis.
Paid sick leave accrues at eight hours per month for full‑time employees.
Military leave: 21 days paid per year.
Bereavement leave: five days paid for death of family/household member or loss of pregnancy.
Additional leave options include leave sharing, parental leave, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and leave without pay.
Contact Information For questions or accommodations during application/interview process:
steven.loduha@dcyf.wa.gov . For technical difficulties: NEOGOV toll‑free (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. For accommodations in alternative formats: call Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (360) 664-1960.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Location
Spokane Valley – hybrid position; must be willing and able to commute to 8517 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99212.
Yakima – hybrid position; must be willing and able to commute to 1002 N 16th Ave., Yakima, WA 98901.
Closes: April 9th, 2026
Salary:
Public Benefits Specialist 1 (PBS1) : $4,428 – $5,137 monthly;
Public Benefits Specialist 2 (PBS2) : $4,653 – $5,531 monthly;
Public Benefits Specialist 3 (PBS3) : $4,882 – $5,956 monthly.
The Opportunity The Public Benefits Specialist conducts interviews, reviews information, and makes eligibility determinations for child‑care subsidy assistance. The incumbent uses extensive financial knowledge and the ability to interpret public laws and policies to make independent decisions and provide customer service to support children receiving early education.
Some Of What You Will Do
Conduct intensive interviews with customers to determine eligibility for services or continued eligibility when notifying the program of changes of circumstances for Child Care benefits.
Process Child Care applications received from the Washington Connection online applications, in the Document Management System (DMS), and through interactive interviews.
Analyze collected oral and written information to determine accurate benefits and continued program eligibility.
Finalize Child Care applications and reapplications with verified information for accurate determination of eligibility.
Refer clients to both mandatory and optional services, including other agencies as required.
Ensure limited English‑proficient clients receive properly translated forms and state‑certified translation services.
Authorize Working Connections Child Care Subsidy payment to approved Licensed facility and Family Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Subsidy Providers through the Social Services Payment System (SSPS).
Compute and initiate over‑payments and client notifications when necessary.
Issue reimbursements and benefits when appropriate to correct under‑issuances.
Assist Child Care Providers with subsidy payment information and other requirements to receive subsidy.
Required Qualifications Public Benefits Specialist 1 (PBS1)
One year of experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance, including financial, medical, and food benefit programs.
OR
A bachelor’s degree AND experience examining/processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or a customer service job where the major duties involve public contact, or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination (substitutes for education).
Public Benefits Specialist 2 (PBS2)
Six months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 1 and completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
OR
One year of experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance (financial, medical, food programs) and completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
Public Benefits Specialist 3 (PBS3)
Nine months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2.
OR
Fifteen months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 1 and satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
OR
Equivalent combination of education and/or experience determining eligibility for financial, medical, food, long‑term services and support programs, childcare and equal access benefits totaling 18 months.
Additional Qualifications
Demonstrated experience working in a high‑volume customer service environment.
One year of experience working in a call center environment.
Prior experience determining eligibility for public programs.
EEO Statement DCYF is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, veteran status, disability, or use of a trained service animal.
Benefits Insurance Benefits
Medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.
Multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums.
Flexible spending accounts for medical expenses.
Basic life and long‑term disability insurance with optional additional coverage.
Dependent care assistance with pre‑tax dollars.
Optional auto, boat, home, and renter insurance via payroll deduction.
Washington State Employee Assistance Program.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) membership with employer‑contributed two retirement programs.
Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) for additional retirement savings.
Social Security
Coverage under federal Social Security and Medicare systems; equal employer and employee contributions.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible employees may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Leaves and Holidays
Paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave per WAC 357‑31‑165. Part‑time employees accrue on a pro‑rated basis.
Paid sick leave accrues at eight hours per month for full‑time employees.
Military leave: 21 days paid per year.
Bereavement leave: five days paid for death of family/household member or loss of pregnancy.
Additional leave options include leave sharing, parental leave, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and leave without pay.
Contact Information For questions or accommodations during application/interview process:
steven.loduha@dcyf.wa.gov . For technical difficulties: NEOGOV toll‑free (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. For accommodations in alternative formats: call Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (360) 664-1960.
#J-18808-Ljbffr