Public Benefits Specialist In-Training (PBS1-3) - Moses Lake

State of Washington•Grant County - Moses Lake, WA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Benefits Specialist In-Training supports families applying for or receiving Child Care Subsidy benefits through DCYF’s Contact Center in Moses Lake. The role provides direct customer service in a fast-paced call center, helping families apply for childcare assistance through Washington’s Child Care Subsidy Program. This work helps families access affordable childcare that supports employment, education, and long-term stability. The specialist conducts interviews, reviews documentation, gathers information from applicants and third parties, and determines eligibility under state and federal rules. The position requires strong communication, sound judgment, and independent decision-making while navigating complex eligibility requirements. The specialist assesses household circumstances, explains program requirements, and provides accurate, respectful guidance. The position is eligible for a hybrid schedule, with regular in-office attendance required to meet business needs. Employees should anticipate working in the office approximately two to three days per week until they demonstrate full independence and proficiency. The goal class is Public Benefits Specialist 3; candidates may be hired at the Public Benefits Specialist 1 or 2 level with a training plan to advance to the goal class. Candidates who move forward in recruitment must complete an in-person math assessment.

Requirements

For PBS1: One year of experience conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance, including financial, medical, and food benefit programs; OR a bachelor’s degree, with qualifying experience examining or processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, customer service involving major public contact, or staff support in financial eligibility determination substituting year for year for education.
For PBS1: Ability to take action to learn and grow and to meet the needs of others.
For PBS2: Six months of experience as a PBS1 and completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program; OR one year conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance, including financial, medical, and food benefit programs, and completion of the agency’s training program.
For PBS2: Ability to take action to learn and grow and to meet the needs of others.
For PBS3: Nine months of experience as a PBS2; OR 15 months of experience as a PBS1 and satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program; OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience determining eligibility for financial, medical, food, long-term services and support, childcare, and equal access benefits totaling 18 months.
For PBS3: Ability to take action to learn and grow and to meet the needs of others.
Candidates selected to move forward must complete an in-person math assessment as part of the initial screening process.
Applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter describing how they meet the position’s specific qualifications, and three professional references.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience working in a high-volume customer service environment.
One year of experience working in a call center environment.
Prior experience determining eligibility for public programs.

Responsibilities

Conduct intensive interviews with customers to determine eligibility or continued eligibility for Child Care benefits, including when customers report changes in circumstances.
Process Child Care applications received through Washington Connection online applications, the Document Management System (DMS), and interactive interviews.
Analyze oral and written information to determine accurate benefits and continued program eligibility.
Finalize Child Care applications and reapplications using information received and verified.
Refer clients to mandatory and optional services, including services offered by other agencies as required.
Arrange properly translated forms and translation services from state-certified, contracted translators and interpreters for limited English proficient clients.
Authorize Working Connections Child Care Subsidy payments to approved licensed facilities and Family Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Subsidy Providers through the Social Services Payment System (SSPS).
Compute and initiate overpayments and notify clients when necessary.
Issue reimbursements and benefits when appropriate to correct under-issuances.
Assist Child Care Providers with subsidy payment information and other requirements for receiving subsidy.