DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

State of Washington • Pierce County – Tacoma, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Economic Services Administration’s Community Service Division is hiring for an entry-level Public Benefits Specialist role at the Pierce North Community Service Office. The position is on-site and includes training. Specialists help people applying for public assistance through face-to-face interactions and by phone, determine eligibility for public assistance programs, and process applications and case actions using computer programs.

The training plan covers eligibility determinations for Financial, Child Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs. Specialists conduct interviews, gather and review applications and verification, apply federal and state requirements to household circumstances, and explain program requirements and application procedures to clients. The work is policy-driven and routinely audited, with feedback used for growth. The minimum monthly salary is $4,517, with salary progression as employees successfully complete training steps.

Requirements

• Four years in a customer service job where major duties involved public contact, or 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.

Nice To Haves

• Able to move between different computer programs and tools without losing accuracy.
• Applies rules and procedures correctly, including in complicated situations.
• Can interpret federal, state, and agency rules to determine appropriate next steps.
• Can break down detailed or confusing information and use it to make sound decisions.
• Provides calm, respectful, and accurate assistance in person, over the phone, and in call-center settings.
• Communicates steadily and supportively with people in difficult or emotional situations.
• Understands and respects cultural, socioeconomic, and individual differences among clients.
• Can handle several tasks at once in a busy office while maintaining accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Learn to process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, Child Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs.
• 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, considering household income and size.
• Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs, and answer clients' questions about benefits and available services.
• Help public assistance applicants through face-to-face interactions and over the phone.

What This Job Offers

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