DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

State of Washington•Pierce County – Lakewood, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD) is looking for a permanent, full-time Public Benefits Specialist 4 to work at the Lakewood Community Services Office (CSO). This position serves as a Lead worker by assisting the supervisor in the management of the PBS staff inside the Lakewood CSO. The lead worker provides, coaching, timely onsite assistance, and focus training. The lead worker ensures that current eligibility information and training be communicated with staff to ensure services are provided to the public timely and accurately. The lead worker often times serves as a lead worker office wide for WPS and SSS staff, though they assigned to a financial unit. In addition to the above duties, the lead worker also serves as the supervisor in the supervisor’s absence and monitors necessary leave, appropriation of staff throughout the day, and overall unit performance. This position also requires a high level of confidentiality and is an extension of management and their goals, vision, culture, and leadership. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Requirements

Subject Matter Expert in determining eligibility for state issues programs such as: Basic Food, TANF, AREN, DCA, CEAP, ABD/HEN, Medical, and Refugee Medical
Ability to assist others in interpretation and analysis of data, make independent decisions, assist in supervision of staff, and train staff
Ability to have effective feedback sessions with Supervisor and with staff when called upon
An acceptance of having work/audits discussed or challenged by management and staff
Proficiency in computer programs in use by the Community Service Division
Experience interviewing individuals regarding sensitive personal and financial matters
Willingness to actively participate in career development for all staff
Outstanding organizational, leadership and interpersonal skills.
Ability to inspire, support, motivate and lead others to achieve successful results.
Ability to change direction and focus on a moment’s notice without limited direction or supervision
Ability to work not only within your own unit but assist others in the office, as well as integrating into the existing lead team within the office
Twelve 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 equivalent work experience.
Examples of equivalent experience include but are not limited to: 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
Satisfactory completion of the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical an food benefit programs will be considered toward experience.
NOTE: Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.

Responsibilities

Assign, audit, and review work of financial staff, including analyzing case actions for accuracy, and determining any unit or office trends
Conduct trainings and act as a job coach
Establish reports and recommendations to supervisor on staff progress and any additional staff training needed
Perform complex duties in relation to financial eligibility and rule interpretation
Monitor lobby traffic, performance goals, and staff movement to supply ample coverage in all areas
Act as unit supervisor in absence of the supervisor, including attending meetings in the CSO, community, or around the state if necessary, which may require overnight travel
Be a liaison between staff, supervisors, and management and communicate any concerns with management
Supporting the Culture of Respect at all times while on the floor or communicating with staff from across the state
Develop effective working relationships with key community organizations
Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing with management, peers, direct staff, clients, and the public
Other duties as assigned