DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

Public Benefits Specialist 1‑3

Economic Services Administration’s Community Service Division offers an entry‑level Public Benefits Specialist position with training. The role is full‑time, onsite at the Community Services Office in Republic, WA.

These positions are paid under the ESA CSD training plan, with a starting monthly salary of $4,428 (Step G). The salary increases as you successfully complete each training step. Salary progression is shown below.

• Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,428.00 Step G – $5,011.00 Step L (6 months)
• Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,653.00 Step F – $5,398.00 Step L (6 months)
• Public Benefits Specialist 3: $5,137.00 Step G – $5,812.00 Step L

As a Public Benefits Specialist you will help individuals apply for public assistance programs.

Responsibilities include:

• Process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility for programs such as Financial, Child Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, and Medicaid Assistance using internal software.
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.
• Gather and review data, applications, and verification for each benefit program.
• Process all applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements based on household income and size.
• Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs, and answer client questions regarding benefits or available services.

How you’ll grow: A career in public service is demanding yet rewarding. You will work with a diverse client base, many speaking different languages, and receive classroom training. We support your development every step of the way.

• Four years in a customer service role with public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determination (examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance, rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance). College education may substitute year‑for‑year for experience.
• OR one year of equivalent out‑of‑state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance, including financial, medical, and food benefit programs.

• Thrives in a standardized work setting.
• Able to learn and utilize various computer programs.
• Can communicate effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, working with communication challenges, assisting underserved populations, and discussing confidential options in person and over the phone.
• Can work with complex technical regulations and procedures and analyze complex situations.
• Refrains from personal bias when determining eligibility.
• Prioritizes and performs multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.