DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 3
About The Position
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Service Division (CSD) is hiring a Public Benefits Specialist for its community services office in Chehalis, Washington. This is an entry-level, on-site role with training provided and a full-time career opportunity in public service. The position begins in training for 15 or more months; the hiring supervisor determines the in-training starting level and salary range based on the candidate’s professional experience and/or education. Public Benefits Specialists help people applying for public assistance through face-to-face and telephone interactions. They determine eligibility for public assistance programs by interviewing applicants, obtaining information from applicants and third parties, reviewing documentation, and processing online applications and case actions using appropriate computer programs. Programs include Financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid Assistance. The role involves serving people from diverse backgrounds, explaining program requirements and application procedures, and addressing questions about benefits and services. DSHS emphasizes fairness, access, social justice, belonging, shared purpose, and support for Washingtonians across diverse communities. Salary ranges listed for the training progression are: Public Benefits Specialist 1, $4,093.00 Step G–$4,632.00 Step L; Public Benefits Specialist 2, $4,299.00 Step D–$5,241.00 Step L; and Public Benefits Specialist 3, $4,740.00 Step E–$5,643.00 Step L. Applicants are asked to submit a current resume, a one-page cover letter describing relevant experience, and current contact information for three professional references. 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 carry liability insurance.
Requirements
- Four years in a customer service job involving substantial public contact, or in a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, such as examining or processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims; or a bachelor’s degree; or a combination of qualifying experience and education totaling four years. The posting also separately lists one year of the above experience and education totaling four years.
- Ability to thrive in a standardized work setting.
- Ability to learn and use various computer programs.
- Ability to communicate effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, working with people who have communication challenges, assisting underserved populations, and discussing confidential and unpleasant options in person and over the phone.
- Ability to work with complex technical regulations and procedures and analyze complex situations.
- Ability to refrain from personal bias when determining eligibility.
- Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions.
- Submit a current resume, a one-page letter of interest describing relevant preparation and experience, and current contact information for three professional references.
Responsibilities
- Learn to process applications and make initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs using internal software.
- Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.
- Gather and review data, applications, documents, and verifications relevant to each benefit program and each person’s circumstances.
- Process applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements, based on household income and size.
- Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs to clients.
- Answer client questions about benefits and available services.
- Help applicants through face-to-face interactions and by phone, including obtaining information from individuals and third parties.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
