DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3
About The Position
The Economic Services Administration’s Community Service Division is hiring a Public Benefits Specialist in an entry-level training plan. This full-time position is on-site at the Community Services Office in Kennewick, Washington. Training, including classroom instruction, is provided. The specialist assists individuals and families seeking public assistance through in-person and telephone interactions. The role determines eligibility for public assistance programs by conducting interviews, obtaining information from applicants and third parties, and processing online applications and case actions in designated computer systems. Programs include financial assistance, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid assistance. The position requires applying federal and state requirements to household circumstances, reviewing applications and verification, explaining program rules and procedures, and responding to questions about benefits and services. Employees progress through the Public Benefits Specialist 1, 2, and 3 training plan as they successfully complete training. The minimum monthly salary at hire is $4,517, with salary increases as training progresses.
Requirements
- Four years of customer service experience in a job where major duties involved public contact, or staff-support experience 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.
- A valid driver's license is required for employees driving on state business.
- Employees using a privately owned vehicle for state business must have liability insurance on that vehicle.
Nice To Haves
- Ability to understand and apply complex technical regulations, policies, and procedures and objectively analyze individual circumstances to make 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 provide respectful, supportive service to underserved populations while discussing confidential, sensitive, or difficult topics in person and over the phone.
- Ability to thrive in a structured and standardized work environment.
- Ability to learn and effectively use a variety of computer programs and systems.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions.
Responsibilities
- Learn to process applications and make initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid assistance programs.
- Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.
- Gather and review data, applications, and verification relevant to each benefit program and applicant’s circumstances.
- Process applications and case actions according to federal and state requirements, household income, and household size.
- Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs to clients.
- Answer client questions about benefits and available services.
- Assist applicants through face-to-face and telephone interactions, obtaining 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
