DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 3
About The Position
The Department of Social and Health Services’ Economic Services Administration, Community Services Division, is hiring a Public Benefits Specialist for the Spokane Maple Community Services Office. This is an entry-level, full-time, on-site public service position with training provided. The role supports people applying for public assistance through in-person and telephone interactions. It includes determining eligibility for public assistance programs, interviewing applicants, gathering information from individuals and third parties, processing online applications, and completing case actions in appropriate computer programs. The position begins with an in-training period of 15 or more months. Virtual classroom training is an important part of the initial training. Hiring supervisors determine the starting training level and salary range based on professional work experience and/or educational background. The listed salary progression ranges from $4,093 to $5,643, depending on level and training phase. The posting also notes that King County employees receive 5% premium pay and may receive a free ORCA transportation card. DSHS emphasizes fairness, access, social justice, belonging, and support for Washingtonians from diverse backgrounds. A background check, including criminal record history, may be conducted before hire. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license; use of a privately owned vehicle on state business requires liability insurance.
Requirements
- Four years of experience 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 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.
- A valid driver’s license is required for employees driving on state business.
- Liability insurance is required when using a privately owned vehicle on state business.
Nice To Haves
- Thrives in a standardized work setting.
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 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 client questions about benefits and available services.
- Help applicants through face-to-face interactions and over the phone.
- Obtain information from individuals and third parties.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
