DSHS HCLA Public Benefits Specialist

DSHS HCLA Public Benefits Specialist 4

Home & Community Living Administration (HCLA) is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) statewide. In this role, you will provide comprehensive consultation about complex eligibility qualifications and skilled financial guidance to high-risk clients who are financially and medically dependent upon a full range of services and supports.

HCLA promotes, plans, and provides long-term services and supports that help people with disabilities, older adults, and care givers maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life. You’ll be a team member of Statewide Eligibility and Service Delivery (SESD) that advances a unified statewide approach that strengthens financial-eligibility work and delivers a consistent experience for clients and staff.

• Review information, documents, and client circumstances to determine eligibility for long-term services and supports.
• Conduct confidential interviews with clients, families, representatives, attorneys, and medical providers — in person and by phone.
• Explain program requirements in plain language and help clients understand their options, rights, and next steps.
• Apply state rules, policies, and procedures to make fair, timely, and accurate decisions.
• Review financial and legal documents (such as hospice plans, court orders, trusts, or property records) to understand how they affect eligibility.
• Use multiple computer systems to review information, document decisions, and keep case records accurate and up to date.
• Identify when clients need accommodations or language access and arrange interpreters, accessible formats, or other supports.
• Recognize and correct errors, respond to audits, and ensure decisions meet program standards.
• Coordinate with social workers, case managers, medical providers, and community partners to support client needs.
• Manage a caseload by prioritizing tasks, meeting required timelines, and following through on commitments.

• Five years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience, including at least one year in areas such as eligibility work, customer service supporting historically marginalized communities, loan processing, medical or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or reviewing and verifying financial or program information.
• Experience in hospital, skilled nursing, or long-term care settings where you helped residents, families, or care teams understand services, coverage, or eligibility processes.
• Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance programs (financial, medical, or food benefits), which may count toward the experience requirement.
• Twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher, and at least twelve months as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long-term care services.

• Using critical thinking & mathematic calculations to review information and make fair, accurate decisions.
• Communicating clearly and compassionately, especially when explaining complex information.
• Asking clear follow-up questions to get the information needed for fair and accurate eligibility decisions.
• Listening actively, showing empathy, and staying calm during stressful situations.
• Managing a workload by organizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and following through.
• Learning new computer systems and keeping information accurate and organized.
• Adapting to changing client needs, policies, and systems while maintaining service quality.
• Working well with clients, families, social workers, and community partners.