DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 (Auditor/Job Coach)

State of Washington • Multiple Locations - Eastern Washington, WA

17h

About The Position

The Economic Services Administration’s Community Services Division is hiring a Public Benefits Specialist 4, Auditor/Job Coach, for its Regional Auditing Team in Region 1. The duty station may be anywhere within Region 1. The position serves as an auditor and job coach, providing guidance and oversight to Public Benefits Specialists who determine eligibility for cash, food, and medical assistance programs. The role assigns and monitors work, conducts audits, and supports staff in maintaining accuracy, quality, and customer service standards. It identifies error trends, provides targeted coaching, and reinforces program policies and procedures to strengthen staff performance and promote consistent, efficient service delivery.

The position also performs complex work including establishing financial eligibility, interpreting rules, developing procedures, verifying overpayments, referring cases to the Office of Financial Recovery, and reviewing case accuracy. The Auditor/Job Coach works with staff, agencies, and community members to clarify information and support clients through the application process. The position reports to the Regional Financial Coordinator and Training Manager.

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. Applicants must meet one of the stated experience and education pathways and satisfactorily complete the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program. Application materials include an updated resume, a letter of interest, and contact information for three professional references.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Washington Administrative Code, policies, and procedures used to determine eligibility for Community Services Division programs.
• Proficiency using computer systems and applications to process cases, research information, and make accurate eligibility decisions.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex data from multiple sources to ensure accurate and timely case actions.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, including professional and respectful interaction with clients, coworkers, and community partners.
• Ability to independently prioritize and manage a high-volume workload while meeting established deadlines.
• Resilience and professionalism when working in high-pressure situations and handling challenging customer interactions.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment while meeting performance expectations.
• Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
• Meet one of these experience and education pathways: 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3; or a bachelor’s degree or higher and 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, including at least one year of equivalent work experience.
• Equivalent experience may include eligibility or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities; examining or processing loan applications; medical insurance or rehabilitation claims; unemployment insurance claims; staff support in financial eligibility determination; or work analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.

Responsibilities

• Assign, coordinate, and monitor the work of Public Benefits Specialist staff processing cash, food, and medical assistance benefits.
• Provide guidance on complex eligibility determinations, policy interpretation, and procedural implementation.
• Conduct audits and case reviews to ensure accuracy, identify error trends, and recommend corrective actions and training opportunities.
• Verify and establish overpayments and complete referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
• Coach, train, and support staff to promote professional development and program compliance.
• Review and improve procedures to maintain efficient workflows and consistent service delivery.
• Resolve customer concerns, assist with eligibility-related issues, and support administrative hearing preparation and case resolution.
• Engage with staff, agencies, and the community to clarify information and support clients throughout the application process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level