DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

State of Washington • Yakima County – Sunnyside, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) has an exciting opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) - Case Planning and Support Specialist (CPSS) to join our team at the Community Service Office in Sunnyside, WA. As a Case Planning and Support Specialist, you’ll be the go-to expert for clients navigating challenging life circumstances and the public systems designed to support them. This is the perfect role for someone who can read between the lines, build trust quickly, and connect individuals to the right mix of services, at the right time. You’ll assess eligibility for multiple assistance programs, develop tailored case plans, and coordinate with partners across healthcare, housing, employment, and more. Every day is varied. Every decision matters. You’ll need excellent judgment, a strong grasp of policy, and the ability to manage complexity with care. See why people like you chose careers with DSHS: 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. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Strong understanding of how to build service plans that are realistic, trauma-informed, and grounded in each client’s context.
• 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.
• 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.
• Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for public assistance, including cash, food, and medical programs
• Facilitate program orientations and explain benefit pathways clearly and empathetically
• Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans to address barriers and support employment goals
• Refer clients to services such as domestic violence support, substance use treatment, mental health counselling, housing, and job training
• Coordinate with external agencies and service providers to align support plans
• Review and interpret complex documents—court orders, leases, medical notes—to determine appropriate program fit
• Authorize and track supportive services such as transportation, childcare, or work clothing
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes and documentation in multiple systems (ACES, Barcode, eJAS, HPF, etc.)
• Respond to case audits, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations
• Participate in outreach efforts, home visits, and client advocacy as needed

Benefits

• Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license.
• Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

What This Job Offers

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