DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

State of Washington•King County – Auburn, WA

10h•Onsite

About The Position

The Economic Services Administration’s Community Service Division is hiring for an entry-level Public Benefits Specialist position with training provided. The position is based on-site at the Community Services Office in Auburn, Washington. 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, gathering information from individuals and third parties, processing online applications, and completing case actions in computer programs. The training plan progresses through Public Benefits Specialist 1, 2, and 3. The minimum monthly salary begins at $4,517 and increases as the employee successfully progresses through training. King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible for a free ORCA card for transportation use. The position is full-time.

Requirements

Four years in a customer service job where major duties involved 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. College education may substitute year-for-year for experience.
Alternatively, one year of equivalent out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance, including financial, medical, and food benefit programs.
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 with 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.
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 for that vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Thrives in a standardized work setting.

Responsibilities

Learn to process applications for 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, and verification for each benefit program based on 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, and answer client questions about benefits or available services.
Help applicants through face-to-face interactions and over the phone.