DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4, Lead

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 (PBS4) to join our team in Bellingham, WA. This position is in office, providing hands‑on support and leadership to staff and clients alike. This role will have a special focus on the Work First & TANF programs.

• Assign work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits
• Perform more complex duties in relation 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
• Serve as first point of contact for Work First & TANF questions
• Complete Work First Audits
• Maintain and review procedures for efficient workflow
• Review cases and independently analyze case actions for accuracy. Contact staff, agencies and the community as necessary for clarifying information
• Use basic understanding of the administrative hearing process to review cases and to 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

• Contain a general understanding of Work First & TANF rules
• 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
• Stay calm under pressure, and effectively manage the stress of the job
• Work effectively in a fast‑paced environment, and be able to demonstrate flexibility in completing multiple assignments 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 the 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
• Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez nandez.gov and reference job number 01217.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision is that people find human services to shape their own lives, which requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities; elders; LGBTQIA+ individuals;

immigrants and refugees; and families building financial security.