DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

State of Washington • Colville, WA

367d • $4,093 - $5,643

About The Position

The Economic Services Administration (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) has exciting permanent and temporary opportunities for Public Benefits Specialists to join our team at our Tri-County Community Services Office in Colville, WA. When you work for DSHS's CSD, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians. This job can be a gateway to a rewarding career in public service. As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will help people applying for public assistance services through face-to-face interactions and over the phone. You'll determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews, obtaining information from individuals and third parties. You will also process applications received online and process all case actions using the appropriate computer programs.

Requirements

• Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination such as examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims
• A bachelor's degree
• A combination of years of the above experience and education totaling 4 years
• One year of equivalent, out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs

Nice To Haves

• Thrives in a standardized work setting
• Able to learn and utilize various computer programs
• Able to 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
• Can work with complex technical regulations and procedures, and analyze complex situations
• Will refrain from personal bias when determining eligibility
• Competent to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions

Responsibilities

• Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and on-going eligibility determinations for Financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility
• Gather and review data, application and other documents, and verification for each benefit program as it relates to each person's circumstances
• 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, as well as answer questions regarding benefits or available services to clients

Benefits

• Formal training both in the classroom and on the job
• Opportunity for advancement within a 15-month period to a senior Public Benefits Specialist

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Administration of Economic Programs
• Education Level: No Education Listed