DSHS ESA CSD Public Benefits Specialist 4

State of Washington • Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division, has an opportunity as a Public Benefit Specialist 4 (PBS4) to join our team at our Customer Service Contact Centers, Specialized Medical Unit. As a Lead worker, you’re expected to possess a high level of proficiency in all public benefit programs, especially, all Medical programs. Responsible to audit, coach, train and guide lower-level Public Benefits Specialists. 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. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact within the Community Services Division.

Requirements

• Knowledgeable in Medical Eligibility as well as the Spenddown program and knowledge of Washington Administrative Code (WAC), policies, and procedures used to determine eligibility for Community Services Division programs.
• Proficiency using computer systems and applications to process cases, research information, and make accurate eligibility decisions.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex data from multiple sources to ensure accurate and timely case actions.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to interact professionally and respectfully with clients, coworkers, and community partners.
• Ability to independently prioritize and manage a high-volume workload while meeting established deadlines.
• Resilience and professionalism when working in high-pressure situations and handling challenging customer interactions.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and effectively manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment while meeting performance expectations.

Nice To Haves

• 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assigns work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits.
• Audits/reviews 100% of all cases that have met their Spenddown prior to approval.
• Conducts ongoing audits for new and experienced staff.
• Establishes reports and recommendations to supervisor on staff progress.
• 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.
• Uses basic understanding of the administrative hearing process to review cases and to help decide if a hearing request can be settled prior to submission and assures appropriate action is taken.
• 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.
• Investigates and resolves customer complaints.
• Reviews and coordinates resolution of case errors.
• Identifies and reports performance gaps.
• Works independently or with others to identify and carry out creative solutions to performance issues.
• Obtain and review necessary data, documentation and verification for Federal or State assistance as it relates to the individual’s specific circumstance.

Benefits

• The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work.
• Equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS.
• Greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level