DSHS DDA Public Benefits Specialist 4

State of Washington•Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Benefits Specialist 4 works in the Department of Social and Health Services’ Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), determining financial eligibility for Medicaid and other public benefits for people with developmental disabilities. The role involves communicating with clients and their families or representatives, reviewing income, assets, and legal and financial documents, and applying state and federal eligibility rules. Decisions affect access to health coverage, long-term care, and food benefits, including services such as personal care, home and community-based services, hospice, residential care, and nursing facility care. The position works with clients, guardians, attorneys, case managers, care facilities, providers, and other agencies. It determines whether Medicaid can cover care and when benefits can begin, calculates client contributions toward care, updates cases as circumstances change, and responds to urgent situations. The role also supports access by arranging interpreters, translated forms, and accommodations, and protects confidential information while using state computer systems. This is a hybrid role with in-person workdays based on business needs. Employees may choose an office location within the region. In-office training and travel may be required as business needs arise. Multiple full-time opportunities are available, including permanent, non-permanent, and project-based positions. Project-based positions are temporary, benefit-eligible, and expected to be funded through June 30, 2027.

Requirements

Successfully completed the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program or equivalent out-of-state training.
Either a bachelor’s or master’s degree and 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 long-term care services.
Alternatively, equivalent education and experience totaling at least five years. Experience examining or processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data may substitute year for year for education and experience.
Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance, including financial, medical, and food stamp benefit programs, may count toward experience.
Ability to analyze complex legal and financial documents and apply eligibility rules.
Accuracy in checking numbers, records, and verifications.
Ability to explain rules and next steps clearly in writing and by phone.
Interviewing skills, including gathering facts while working with interpreters or people with disabilities.
Patient, caring customer service and ability to calm tense situations.
Ability to organize and prioritize assigned work and meet program deadlines.
Sound independent judgment and ability to recognize when guidance is needed.
Ability to build working relationships with case managers, care facilities, providers, guardians, authorized representatives, attorneys, and other agencies.
Respect for cultures, languages, and life experiences, and commitment to removing barriers to services.
A valid driver’s license is required for employees driving on state business. Employees using a privately owned vehicle on state business must carry liability insurance.

Responsibilities

Determine eligibility for long-term care programs, including in-home personal care, home and community-based services, hospice, residential habilitation centers, nursing facility care, and Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities.
Interview clients, family members, guardians, and attorneys by phone.
Gather and calculate income and assets to determine eligibility for health coverage, long-term care, and food benefits.
Calculate the amount a person must contribute each month toward the cost of care.
Review legal and financial documents, including trusts, annuities, deeds, insurance policies, burial funds, and court orders.
Search a statewide property database to determine how property sales or transfers affect eligibility.
Respond promptly to urgent cases, including hospital discharges, facility closures, and urgent food needs.
Update cases when circumstances change and send required notices to clients, representatives, case managers, and care facilities.
Coordinate with case managers to establish the date benefits begin.
Identify and correct payment errors, establish overpayments or underpayments, and respond to case audits.
Answer questions from social workers, medical providers, and guardians, and refer people to Social Security, Veterans Affairs, or community resources.
Arrange interpreters, translated forms, and accommodation plans to support access to services.
Report concerns to Adult or Child Protective Services or fraud investigators when required.
Testify at administrative hearings when a person disagrees with a decision.
Use state computer systems to research, record, and update cases while protecting confidential information.