DSHS ESA CSD Public Benefits Specialist 4

State of Washington•King County - Seattle - N. Seattle, WA

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) has an exciting opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) - Case Planning and Support Specialist (CPSS) to join our team at the King North Community Service Office in Seattle, WA. As a Case Planning and Support Specialist, you’ll be the go-to expert for clients navigating challenging life circumstances and the public systems designed to support them. This is the perfect role for someone who can read between the lines, build trust quickly, and connect individuals to the right mix of services, at the right time. You’ll assess eligibility for multiple assistance programs, develop tailored case plans, and coordinate with partners across healthcare, housing, employment, and more. Every day is varied. Every decision matters. You’ll need excellent judgment, a strong grasp of policy, and the ability to manage complexity with care. When you work for DSHS, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians.

Requirements

Deep knowledge of Washington’s public assistance programs and the ability to assess and re-determine eligibility with accuracy.
Comfort navigating and applying WAC, RCW, and internal procedural manuals is essential to ensure services are legally sound.
Strong understanding of how to build service plans that are realistic, trauma-informed, and grounded in each client’s context.
Interpreting complex data and documentation to make fast, high-stakes decisions—precision matters.
Clear, respectful, and empathetic communication is key—especially when explaining tough decisions or diffusing high-tension situations.
Ability to stay calm, clear-headed, and grounded in professional boundaries when working with people in distress.
Ability to adapt quickly, manage multiple tasks, and keep performance high without burning out.
12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
OR A Bachelor’s degree or higher AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long-term care services.
OR 5 years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience may substitute for degree and PBS work experience requirements. Total must include at least one year’s equivalent work experience.
Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.

Nice To Haves

Providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities
Experience examining/processing loan applications
Medical insurance or rehabilitation claims
Unemployment insurance claims
Providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information

Responsibilities

Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for public assistance, including cash, food, and medical programs
Facilitate program orientations and explain benefit pathways clearly and empathetically
Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans to address barriers and support employment goals
Refer clients to services such as domestic violence support, substance use treatment, mental health counselling, housing, and job training
Coordinate with external agencies and service providers to align support plans
Review and interpret complex documents—court orders, leases, medical notes—to determine appropriate program fit
Authorize and track supportive services such as transportation, childcare, or work clothing
Maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes and documentation in multiple systems (ACES, Barcode, eJAS, HPF, etc.)
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