DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3
About The Position
The Department of Social and Health Services’ Economic Services Administration, Community Services Division, is hiring for an entry-level Public Benefits Specialist position at its Lakewood Community Services Office. The position provides training and is a full-time career in public service. Public Benefits Specialists help people applying for public assistance through face-to-face interactions and by phone, determine eligibility for public assistance programs, and process online applications and case actions using appropriate computer programs. The role begins with classroom training and involves learning internal software and program requirements. The training plan progresses through Public Benefits Specialist 1, 2, and 3, with salary increases as employees successfully advance. The starting monthly salary is $4,517, with progression to higher steps and ranges during training. The position serves customers from diverse backgrounds, including people who may speak many languages or have communication challenges. Employees are expected to support DSHS’s commitment to fairness, access, and social justice in serving Washingtonians.
Requirements
- Four years of experience 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. College education may substitute year-for-year for experience; OR
- One year of equivalent out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance, including financial, medical, and food benefit programs.
Nice To Haves
- Thrives in a standardized work setting.
- Able to learn and use various computer programs.
- Communicates effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, working with people who have communication challenges, assisting underserved populations, and discussing confidential or unpleasant options in person and over the phone.
- Able to work with complex technical regulations and procedures and analyze complex situations.
- Refrains from personal bias when determining eligibility.
- Able to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions.
Responsibilities
- Learn to process initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for financial, child care, 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 documents for each benefit program in light of 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 clients’ questions about benefits and available services.
Benefits
- Eligible Pierce County employees may receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
