DSHS HCLA Public Benefits Specialist 4

State of Washington•Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

5d•Remote

About The Position

The Home & Community Living Administration (HCLA) is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) to join its Statewide Eligibility and Service Delivery (SESD) team. The role provides comprehensive consultation on complex eligibility qualifications and skilled financial guidance to high-risk clients who are financially and medically dependent on a range of services and supports. HCLA promotes, plans, and provides long-term services and supports that help people with disabilities, older adults, and caregivers maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life. SESD advances a unified statewide approach to strengthen financial-eligibility work and provide a consistent experience for clients and staff. This position is part of the 1115 MAC/TSOA financial team. The project is funded through June 30, 2028. The person hired may work from anywhere in Washington State. Applicants must qualify through one of the listed education and experience pathways. The role calls for critical thinking, clear and compassionate communication, sound workload management, accuracy with information and computer systems, adaptability, and effective collaboration with clients and community partners. Applicants should include a cover letter and three professional references with their application.

Requirements

Qualify through one of the following pathways: five years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience, including at least one year in eligibility work, customer service supporting historically marginalized communities, loan processing, medical or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or reviewing and verifying financial or program information.
Experience in hospital, skilled nursing, or long-term care settings helping residents, families, or care teams understand services, coverage, or eligibility processes may qualify.
Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance programs, including financial, medical, or food benefits, may count toward the experience requirement.
Twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3 may qualify.
A bachelor’s degree or higher and at least twelve months as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long-term care services may qualify.
Use critical thinking and mathematical calculations to review information and make fair, accurate decisions.
Communicate clearly and compassionately, especially when explaining complex information.
Ask clear follow-up questions to gather information needed for fair and accurate eligibility decisions.
Listen actively, show empathy, and remain calm in stressful situations.
Organize workload, meet deadlines, and follow through on commitments.
Learn new computer systems and keep information accurate and organized.
Adapt to changing client needs, policies, and systems while maintaining service quality.
Work effectively with clients, families, social workers, and community partners.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with long-term services and supports programs or state and federal medical assistance programs.
Comfort working with detailed rules and procedures, interpreting complex situations, and adjusting as policies change.
Comfort using multiple computer systems and Microsoft Office.
Skill working with people in difficult or emotional situations.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a busy environment.
Ability to explain complex information clearly, respectfully, and supportively.

Responsibilities

Review information, documents, and client circumstances to determine eligibility for long-term services and supports.
Conduct confidential interviews with clients, families, representatives, attorneys, and medical providers, in person and by phone.
Explain program requirements in plain language and help clients understand their options, rights, and next steps.
Apply state rules, policies, and procedures to make fair, timely, and accurate decisions.
Review financial and legal documents, including hospice plans, court orders, trusts, and property records, to determine how they affect eligibility.
Use multiple computer systems to review information, document decisions, and maintain accurate, current case records.
Identify when clients need accommodations or language access and arrange interpreters, accessible formats, or other supports.
Recognize and correct errors, respond to audits, and ensure decisions meet program standards.
Coordinate with social workers, case managers, medical providers, and community partners to support client needs.
Manage a caseload by prioritizing tasks, meeting required timelines, and following through on commitments.