DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 (Case Planning & Support Specialist)

State of Washington•King County – Bellevue, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Economic Services Administration’s Community Service Division is hiring a Public Benefits Specialist 4 to serve as a Case Planning and Support Specialist at the King Eastside Community Services Office in Bellevue, Washington. This full-time, in-office role provides hands-on support and leadership to staff and clients. The specialist helps clients navigate difficult circumstances and public assistance systems by assessing eligibility, developing personalized case plans, and coordinating services with partners in healthcare, housing, employment, and other areas. The role requires sound judgment, strong knowledge of policy, and the ability to manage complex situations with care. Work includes helping clients understand benefit pathways, addressing barriers to employment, interpreting documents, authorizing supportive services, maintaining case records, and ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements. The position may also involve outreach, home visits, and client advocacy. The work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible for a free ORCA transportation card. A background check may be conducted before hire.

Requirements

At least 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3; or a bachelor’s degree or higher plus 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long-term care services; or five years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience substituting for degree and PBS work experience requirements, including at least one year of equivalent work experience.
Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
Deep knowledge of Washington public assistance programs and the ability to assess and redetermine eligibility accurately.
Ability to navigate and apply WAC, RCW, and internal procedural manuals.
Strong understanding of realistic, trauma-informed case planning grounded in each client’s circumstances.
Ability to interpret complex data and documentation and make timely, high-stakes decisions accurately.
Clear, respectful, empathetic communication skills, including the ability to explain difficult decisions and defuse high-tension situations.
Ability to remain calm and maintain professional boundaries when working with people in distress.
Resilience and flexibility to adapt to changing programs and priorities, manage multiple tasks, and maintain performance.
Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license. Employees using a privately owned vehicle for state business must carry liability insurance.

Nice To Haves

Equivalent experience may include determining eligibility for services or providing direct customer service to historically marginalized communities; examining or processing loan applications; processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims; processing unemployment insurance claims; providing staff support in financial eligibility determinations; or analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.

Responsibilities

Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for cash, food, medical, and other public assistance programs.
Facilitate program orientations and explain benefit pathways clearly and empathetically.
Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans that address barriers and support employment goals.
Refer clients to services including domestic violence support, substance use treatment, mental health counseling, housing, and job training.
Coordinate with external agencies and service providers to align support plans.
Review and interpret complex documents, such as court orders, leases, and medical notes, to determine appropriate program fit.
Authorize and track supportive services such as transportation, childcare, and work clothing.
Maintain accurate, current case notes and documentation in multiple systems, including ACES, Barcode, eJAS, and HPF.
Respond to case audits, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
Participate in outreach efforts, home visits, and client advocacy as needed.
Provide hands-on support and leadership to staff and clients.