DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

DSHS ESA CSD – Public Benefits Specialist 4, Lead Worker

Elevate your career in a lead role that truly makes a difference! The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division, has an opportunity as a Public Benefit Specialist 4 (PB4) to join our team in Aberdeen, WA. This position works full-time in the Aberdeen Community Services Office (CSO), providing hands‑on support and leadership to staff and clients alike.

As a Lead Worker, you’ll take on a critical role in guiding and supporting a team of Public Benefits Specialists who process cash, medical, and food benefits. You will be responsible for assigning work, conducting thorough audits, and ensuring that both new and experienced staff maintain high standards in service delivery. By identifying error trends and providing targeted coaching, you’ll help shape the development and efficiency of the team.

• Assign work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits.
• Perform more complex duties related to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development.
• Verify and establish over payments and complete referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
• Audit and review the work of Public Benefits Specialist staff.
• Establish reports and recommendations to supervisor surrounding staff progress.
• Detect error trends through audits to identify training needs.
• Serve as a job coach for staff.
• Maintain and review procedures for efficient workflow.
• Review cases and independently analyze case actions for accuracy, contacting staff, agencies, and the community as necessary for clarifying information.
• Use basic understanding of the administrative hearing process to review cases and help decide if a hearing request can be settled prior to submission.
• Assist customers with the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of the clients.
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints.

• Possess extensive knowledge of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and procedural manuals needed to determine eligibility for all programs administered by CSD.
• Proficiently utilize all computer programs in use by the Community Service Division.
• Frequently review data found in the State’s computer systems to make accurate decisions.
• Interact with all DSHS staff and serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.
• Independently plan and manage multiple financial cases or projects to be completed within specified timelines.
• Remain calm under pressure and effectively manage the stress of the job.
• Work effectively in a fast‑paced environment, demonstrating flexibility while meeting performance standards.

• Professionals with 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.

• A bachelor’s degree or higher AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long‑term care services.

• 5 years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience may substitute for degree and PBS work experience requirements. Total must include at least one year’s equivalent work experience. Examples of equivalent experience include: providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities; experience examining/processing loan applications; medical insurance or rehabilitation claims; unemployment insurance claims; providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.

Please submit an updated resume and three professional references with contact information. Please reference job number #04793.

Contact DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton ilton.gov.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence for the job.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran status, Vietnam Era status, disability, or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process may contact the recruiter at (360) 725‑5810.

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