DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

State of Washington • Kittitas County – Ellensburg, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Economic Services Administration’s Community Service Division is hiring a Public Benefits Specialist for its Ellensburg Community Services Office. This is an entry-level, full-time, on-site position with training provided; remote and hybrid work are not available. The specialist helps individuals and families access public assistance by assisting applicants in person and over the phone, determining eligibility for public assistance programs, and processing applications and case actions through computer systems.

The role includes learning to process initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs. Specialists conduct interviews, gather and review applications and verification from clients and third parties, and apply federal and state requirements to household circumstances, including income and size. They also explain program rules, application processes, and verification requirements, and answer clients’ questions about benefits and services.

The position serves customers from diverse backgrounds, including people seeking support with sensitive or difficult matters. The agency emphasizes fairness, access, social justice, respectful service, and support for Washingtonians. Training begins with substantial classroom instruction, and employees progress through an in-training plan as they successfully advance through the Public Benefits Specialist 1, 2, and 3 levels. The listed monthly salary progression begins at $4,517 for Specialist 1 and advances through the training steps and levels.

Requirements

• Four years in a customer service job whose 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 determinations for public assistance, including financial, medical, and food benefit programs.
• Ability to understand and apply complex technical regulations, policies, and procedures while analyzing individual circumstances and making objective eligibility determinations.
• Effective communication with people from diverse backgrounds and in varied situations, including de-escalating difficult situations and communicating with individuals who may have communication challenges.
• Ability to thrive in a structured and standardized work environment.
• Ability to learn and use a variety of computer programs and systems.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions.

Responsibilities

• Help individuals and families access public assistance services through face-to-face interactions and over the phone.
• Conduct interviews and independently determine eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility for Financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs using internal software.
• Obtain information from applicants and third parties, and gather and review applications, data, and verification relevant to each benefit program and individual circumstance.
• Process applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements, considering household income and size.
• Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs to clients.
• Answer questions about benefits and available services.
• Provide respectful and supportive service to people from diverse backgrounds, including when discussing confidential, sensitive, or difficult topics.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed