DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

Public Benefits Specialist 4 - Lead Worker

The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 to serve as a lead worker at the Clarkston Community Services Office. This role is ideal for someone who brings confidence, technical fluency, and a steady presence to their work. You'll support colleagues, strengthen service delivery, and help ensure Washington families receive timely and accurate benefits.

This position offers a meaningful blend of program expertise, case analysis, coaching, and quality review. You'll contribute to a work environment grounded in consistency, fairness, and care; where your knowledge helps others succeed and directly improves the experience of the people we serve.

Your work shapes how services are provided each day, through clear guidance, thoughtful decision-making, and a commitment to accuracy and accessibility. This is a professional path where your skills make a real difference to DSHS's mission to partner with people to access support, care, and resources. See why people like you choose careers with DSHS:

Some of what you will do:

• Assign work to Public Benefits Specialists and support the office's daily workflow to ensure timely processing of cash, medical, and food benefits.
• Conduct audits and case reviews, identify error trends, and recommend training or process adjustments.
• Provide real-time coaching, policy interpretation, and technical guidance to staff at all experience levels.
• Assist with complex eligibility determinations, including resolving case discrepancies, over payments, and benefit corrections.
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints, escalations, and case errors by analyzing information and collaborating with internal and external partners.
• Conduct interviews, determine eligibility for services, and handle complex financial, medical, and food assistance cases with precision.
• Support staff in using our software applications, such as; ACES, ACES Online, Barcode, e-JAS, ICMS, Washington Health Plan Finder, and Washington Connections.
• Serve in a stand-in capacity when the supervisor is away, participating in discussions, offering case consultation, and supporting daily operations.
• Participate in outreach, cultural competency efforts, and community-based activities that strengthen service access and awareness.

Who should apply? Professionals with:

• Twelve 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 Five 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 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.

Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance, including financial, medical and food benefit programs, will be considered toward experience.
* Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we're looking for:

• Eligibility expertise:
  Thorough understanding of financial, medical, and food assistance programs, including the ability to interpret Washington Administrative Code and procedural guidance.
• Coaching and support:
  Ability to guide others through casework, policy application, and system navigation in a constructive, approachable way.
• Analytical thinking:
  Skill in reviewing complex information, conducting case audits, identifying errors, and recommending accurate corrective actions.
• Clear communication:
  Strong written and verbal communication skills for working with colleagues, clients, and community partners, including those with limited English proficiency.
• Conflict resolution:
  Ability to de-escalate tense interactions and support fair, client-centered resolutions.
• Technical proficiency:
  Comfort using multiple software applications and systems and reviewing data to ensure accuracy while meeting performance expectations.
• Adaptability and steadiness:
  Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, prioritize shifting needs, and maintain composure under pressure.
• Commitment to service: A professional approach grounded in respect, courtesy, responsiveness, and alignment with the department's mission and values.

Interested? Apply today! The Department of Social and Health…