DSHS HCLA Public Benefits Specialist 4

State of Washington•Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

2d•Remote

About The Position

Home & Community Living Administration (HCLA), Home and Community Services is currently seeking Public Benefits Specialist 4s (PBS4), that can be located statewide across Washington. As a PBS4, you will provide comprehensive consultation about complex eligibility qualifications and skilled financial guidance to high-risk clients who are financially and medically dependent upon a full range of services and supports. Home & Community Living Administration (HCLA) which promotes, plans, develops, and provides an array of long-term services and supports to people who have disabilities, are seniors, or have caregivers to maximize their independence, dignity, and quality of life. We’re excited to offer multiple full-time opportunities on our team: both permanent and project-based jobs. The project position, although temporary is benefit-eligible and is expected to be funded through June 30, 2027.

Requirements

5 years of higher education and/or work experience in financial-based services, including at least one year of experience in areas such as: Reviewing or processing loan applications, Processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, Evaluating unemployment insurance claims, Assisting staff with financial eligibility determinations, Analyzing, verifying, or evaluating financial data.
Comparable experience from another state: Experience conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance programs (financial, medical, or food benefits).
A bachelor's degree or higher plus 12 months as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 (long-term care eligibility).

Nice To Haves

Rules and requirements governing the administration of long-term care programs; state and federal medical assistance programs, Home & Community based waivers, institutional program eligibility, Community First Choice, Medicaid Personal Care, Medicaid Alternative Care, Tailored Supports for Older Adults, Aged, Blind, Disabled cash assistance, Basic Food, and WASHCAP.
Empathic to the philosophy of public assistance programs; state and federal welfare laws, rules, and regulations; principles, problems, and practices of public welfare administration; social and economic conditions, and their effects upon people.
Can apply mathematical principles to calculations.
Familiarity with using various computer programs.
Communicate effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, engaging with people who have communication barriers, assisting underserved populations, and discussing private and unpleasant options, in person and over the phone.
Can work with complex technical regulations and procedures and interpret complex situations and adapt to frequent policy and procedure changes.
Refrain from personal bias when determining eligibility.
Capable to prioritize and perform multiple tasks with numerous interruptions.

Responsibilities

Determine ongoing eligibility for Long-Term Services and Support programs, which include hospice, institutional care, and HCB Waiver Services.
Conduct intensive, confidential interviews with clients, client representatives, attorneys, medical providers, and guardians; arrange accessibility, reasonable accommodations, or interpreters when necessary.
Recognize and recalculate incorrect payments of grants, food benefits, medical assistance, and Long-Term Services and Supports.
Provide professional case management.
Input and receive data using multiple computer systems.
Analyze written and oral information received and legal documents, which includes court orders, contracts, insurance policies, trusts, life estates, and promissory notes.
Interpret the Washington Administrative Code, Revised Code of Washington, procedural manuals, policies, and policy clarifications.
Use the statewide asset verification and real property database to evaluate the impacts of real property transfers, quit claims, and sales.
Respond to case audits and make corrections.