DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4
About The Position
The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) has an exciting opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) – Reginal Auditor to join our team at the Community Service Office in Lynnwood, WA. This position is hybrid, providing hands-on support and leadership to staff and clients alike. The Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) serves as lead worker and is expected to possess a high level of proficiency in all public benefit programs. The position is responsible for auditing, coaching, training and guiding lower-level Public Benefits Specialists. Also performs case audits/reviews and observational audits. This position will have access to the Washington Health Plan Finder (HPF) system and personally identifiable information (PII). Passing a criminal background check is required for this position.
Requirements
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Assigns work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits.
- Audits/reviews l work of Public Benefits Specialist staff.
- Conducts ongoing audits for new and experienced staff.
- Establish reports and recommendations to supervisor on staff progress.
- Detects error trends through audits to identify training needs.
- Performs more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development.
- Reviews cases and independently analyzes case actions for accuracy.
- Contacts staff, agencies and the community as necessary for clarifying information.
- Assists customers with the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of the clients.
- Conduct intensive interviews when necessary to determine eligibility for financial, Medical and/or food assistance benefits.
- Process all case actions in accordance with Federal and State processing and accuracy requirements.
- Supports local, office implementation of regional initiatives.
- Provide feedback to regional training staff on training gaps.
- Verifies and establishes overpayments and completes referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
Benefits
- Orca Card for transportation needs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
