DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

State of Washington•King County - Seattle - Rainier Valley, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Economic Services Administration’s Community Service Division is hiring for an entry-level Public Benefits Specialist position with training provided. This full-time role is performed on-site at the Community Services Office in Seattle, Washington. The specialist helps individuals and families access public assistance by working with applicants face-to-face and over the phone, determining eligibility for public assistance programs, and processing online applications and case actions using computer programs. The position includes classroom training and ongoing support as employees learn to determine initial and continuing eligibility for financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid assistance programs. Employees work with people from diverse backgrounds and provide respectful service while applying federal and state requirements. Salary increases as employees successfully progress through the Public Benefits Specialist 1–3 training plan. King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible for a free ORCA transportation card.

Requirements

Four years of experience in a customer service job where 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.
Valid driver’s license if driving on state business.
Liability insurance on a privately owned vehicle if using it for state business.

Nice To Haves

Ability to understand and apply complex technical regulations, policies, and procedures while objectively analyzing individual circumstances and making eligibility determinations.
Effective communication with people from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of situations, including de-escalating difficult situations and communicating with individuals who may have communication challenges.
Ability to provide respectful and 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 for 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, and verification information for each benefit program in relation to 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 to clients.
Answer clients’ questions about benefits and available services.
Help people applying for public assistance through face-to-face interactions and by phone.
Process applications received online and use appropriate computer programs to process case actions.