DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, White Center, WA, United States
Overview
Entry‑level Public Benefits Specialist positions in the Economic Services Administration, Community Service Division at the White Center Community Service Office. The role includes face‑to‑face interactions and phone support for individuals applying for public assistance programs. Training is provided on‑site.
Salary and Progression
Minimum monthly salary of $4,428.00 (Step G). Salary increases as the employee progresses through the training plan. Salary progression is as follows:
Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,428.00 (Step G) – $5,011.00 (Step L) after 6 months
Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,428.00 (Step D) – $5,398.00 (Step L) after 6 months
Public Benefits Specialist 3: $4,882.00 (Step E) – $5,812.00 (Step L)
Responsibilities
Process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid assistance programs using internal software.
Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.
Gather and review data, applications, and verification documents 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 client questions regarding benefits and available services.
Requirements
Four years in a customer service job involving public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determination (e.g., processing loan, insurance, or rehabilitation claims). College education may substitute for experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
OR one year of equivalent out‑of‑state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance programs including financial, medical, and food benefit programs.
Desired Qualifications
Bilingual in English and a second language.
Thrives in a standardized work setting.
Capable of learning and utilizing various computer programs.
Effective communication with diverse clients, including calming others and working with those who have communication challenges or are underserved.
Ability to work with complex technical regulations and procedures, and to analyze complex situations.
Refrains from personal bias when determining eligibility.
Prioritizes and performs multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions.
Equal Employment Opportunity
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 identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, political affiliation, military status, veteran status, disability, or use of a guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this 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 711 or 1‑800‑833‑6384.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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Entry‑level Public Benefits Specialist positions in the Economic Services Administration, Community Service Division at the White Center Community Service Office. The role includes face‑to‑face interactions and phone support for individuals applying for public assistance programs. Training is provided on‑site.
Salary and Progression
Minimum monthly salary of $4,428.00 (Step G). Salary increases as the employee progresses through the training plan. Salary progression is as follows:
Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,428.00 (Step G) – $5,011.00 (Step L) after 6 months
Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,428.00 (Step D) – $5,398.00 (Step L) after 6 months
Public Benefits Specialist 3: $4,882.00 (Step E) – $5,812.00 (Step L)
Responsibilities
Process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid assistance programs using internal software.
Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.
Gather and review data, applications, and verification documents 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 client questions regarding benefits and available services.
Requirements
Four years in a customer service job involving public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determination (e.g., processing loan, insurance, or rehabilitation claims). College education may substitute for experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
OR one year of equivalent out‑of‑state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance programs including financial, medical, and food benefit programs.
Desired Qualifications
Bilingual in English and a second language.
Thrives in a standardized work setting.
Capable of learning and utilizing various computer programs.
Effective communication with diverse clients, including calming others and working with those who have communication challenges or are underserved.
Ability to work with complex technical regulations and procedures, and to analyze complex situations.
Refrains from personal bias when determining eligibility.
Prioritizes and performs multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions.
Equal Employment Opportunity
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 identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, political affiliation, military status, veteran status, disability, or use of a guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this 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 711 or 1‑800‑833‑6384.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
#J-18808-Ljbffr