DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4
About The Position
The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD), is hiring a Public Benefits Specialist 4 Lead Worker for the Port Townsend Community Services Office in Port Townsend, Washington. This full-time, specialist-level position provides hands-on leadership and support to staff and clients. The role guides Public Benefits Specialists who process cash, medical, and food benefits, while independently providing intensive eligibility services and professional case planning for people seeking specialty CSD programs. The position requires strong proficiency in CSD-administered public assistance programs. The Lead Worker assigns and reviews staff work, audits cases, identifies error trends, and coaches staff to support accurate service delivery and professional development. The position also handles complex eligibility work, interprets rules, develops procedures, verifies overpayments, and makes referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery. It works with staff, agencies, community partners, and clients to clarify information, assess eligibility and service needs, develop case plans, address barriers, and support applications for public assistance and Apple Health coverage. Applicants must meet one of the listed experience and education pathways and satisfactorily complete the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program. Applicants should submit an updated resume and three professional references with contact information. A background check may be conducted before hire. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license; employees using a privately owned vehicle for state business must maintain liability insurance.
Requirements
- Possess extensive knowledge of the Washington Administrative Code and procedural manuals used to determine eligibility for CSD-administered programs.
- Proficiently use computer programs used by the Community Services Division and review data in state computer systems to make accurate decisions.
- Interact with DSHS staff and serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.
- Independently plan and manage multiple financial cases or projects within specified timelines.
- Remain calm under pressure and manage job-related stress effectively.
- Work effectively in a fast-paced environment, flexibly manage multiple assignments, and meet performance standards.
- Meet one of the following experience and education pathways: 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3; a bachelor’s degree or higher plus 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long-term care services; or five years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience substituting for the degree and PBS work experience requirements, including at least one year of equivalent work experience.
- Satisfactorily complete the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
- Submit an updated resume and three professional references with contact information.
- Have a valid driver’s license if driving on state business; maintain liability insurance if using a privately owned vehicle on state business.
Responsibilities
- Assign work to Public Benefits Specialist staff processing cash, medical, and/or food benefits.
- Perform complex work to establish financial eligibility, interpret rules, plan services, and develop procedures.
- Verify and establish overpayments and submit referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
- Audit and review Public Benefits Specialist staff work and independently analyze case actions for accuracy.
- Prepare reports and recommendations for the supervisor regarding staff progress.
- Identify error trends through audits and determine training needs.
- Coach staff and maintain or review procedures to support efficient workflow.
- Contact staff, agencies, and community members to clarify information.
- Use understanding of the administrative hearing process to review cases and help determine whether hearing requests can be settled before submission.
- Assist customers applying for Apple Health by entering information into the Health Plan Finder system on their behalf.
- Investigate and resolve customer complaints.
- Conduct orientations for Community Services Division programs.
- Determine client eligibility and appropriateness for public assistance programs, including Diversion Cash Assistance.
- Screen and refer clients for services such as domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health, employment, and training services.
- Develop, revise, monitor, and update case plans.
- Assess client circumstances and refer clients to community resources and contractors to address barriers and support employment.
- Assess the need for and authorize appropriate support services.
- Analyze and verify complex legal documents and other records to determine available program and service options.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
