DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) has an exciting opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) to join our team at the Community Service Office in Auburn, WA. This position works full-time in the office, providing hands-on support and leadership to staff and clients alike. The PBS4 serves as lead worker and is expected to possess a high level of proficiency in all public benefit programs.

The position is responsible to audit, coach, train and guide lower level Public Benefits Specialists; also, performs case audits/reviews and observational audits. This position will have access to the Washington Health Plan Finder (HPF) system and Personal Identifiable Information (PII).

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:
Some of what you'll do:

• Assigns work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits
• Audits/reviews work of Public Benefits Specialist staff. Conducts ongoing audits for new and experienced staff. Establish reports and recommendations to supervisor on staff progress
• Detects error trends through audits to identify training needs
• Performs more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development
• Reviews cases and independently analyzes case actions for accuracy. Contacts staff, agencies and the community as necessary for clarifying information
• Assists customers with the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of the clients
• Conduct intensive interviews when necessary to determine eligibility for financial, Medical and/or food assistance benefits
• Process all case actions in accordance with Federal and State processing and accuracy requirements
• Supports local, office implementation of regional initiatives
• Provide feedback to regional training staff on training gaps
• Verifies and establishes over payments and completes referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery

What we're looking for:

• Eligibility expertise – You'll need deep knowledge of Washington's public assistance programs and the ability to assess and re-determine eligibility with accuracy
• Policy fluency – Comfort navigating and applying WAC, RCW, and internal procedural manuals is essential to ensure services are legally sound
• Analytical skills – You'll be interpreting complex data and documentation to make fast, high-stakes decisions—precision matters
• Communication – Clear, respectful, and empathetic communication is key—especially when explaining tough decisions or diffusing high-tension situations
• Crisis navigation – This role regularly involves working with people in distress. You must stay calm, clear-headed, and grounded in your professional boundaries
• Resilience and flexibility – Programs shift. Priorities change. You need to adapt quickly, manage multiple tasks, and keep performance high without burning out

Who should apply?

• Professionals with 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
• OR
• 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.
• OR
• 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 but are not limited to:
• 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

AND Satisfactory completion of the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.

Additional information:

• Work schedule:
  
  8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

Interested? Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions? Please reach out to sharon.sterling.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line  and reference job number 08380.