DSHS ESA Quality Control Specialist

DSHS ESA Quality Control Specialist

DSHS Economic Services Administration (ESA) Division of Program Integrity is seeking a Quality Control Specialist to join the Integrity Assurance Team in Lakewood, WA. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven team committed to strengthening the accuracy, accountability, and overall integrity of Washington’s public assistance programs.

This position will primarily provide Administrative Hearing functional support, with opportunities to represent the agency’s findings in an administrative law setting. This work aims to meet Federal and State requirements while limiting the risk of increased Federal sanctions, improper payments, and protecting the financial securities of Washingtonians in need. Our division focuses on quality control through case reviews, operational audits, and ongoing monitoring to drive continuous improvement and prevent fraud, ensuring that we maintain high standards of program accuracy and integrity.

In this role, you’ll also conduct federally mandated independent reviews of government public assistance programs including, but not limited to, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Medical programs. You will utilize your strong analysis and communication skills to obtain information, verify evidence, and document and report findings, with an emphasis on a systematic approach toward program integrity.

As a Quality Control Specialist, you’ll play a key role in our mission to reduce the number of individuals and families living below the federal poverty level, helping to eliminate disparities and promote equitable access to support services. This position offers a hybrid office/telework schedule, blending in-office work with telework.

• Independently evaluate and analyze case information to ensure accurate benefit issuance, eligibility determinations, and program participation
• Evaluate and analyze case information including pertinent program policies, procedures, manuals, and training material to determine the potential root cause of errors
• Input and retrieve data across multiple automated systems while maintaining confidentiality of all sensitive information
• Monitor and assess program operations using various administrative tools and software, including Barcode, ACES, EBT Edge, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Prepares and presents the Department’s position on cases scheduled by the Office of Administrative Hearings
• Represent the division professionally with internal and external partners and stakeholders
• Identify, prepare, and assemble documents as exhibits for administrative hearings
• Analyze complex data and patterns to address improper payments, leading to over payment recoveries and potential fraud referrals

• Experience in determining eligibility for food, cash, and medical public assistance programs
• Proficiency in interpreting state and federal regulations related to public assistance programs
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective representation of the division with stakeholders, partners, and customers
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to multi-task, manage with interruptions, and prioritize work assignments to meet timelines
• Excellent critical thinking skills, with the ability to present information and ideas clearly and effectively
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently and manage deadlines
• Adaptability in a dynamic and evolving work environment
• Ability to work cooperatively and professionally with partners and stakeholders within DPI and external agencies
• Proficiency in ESA eligibility software, Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to learn new software as required

Professionals With a Bachelor’s Degree And At Least One Of The Following, With One Year Of Experience In Washington State

Two years as a Financial Services Specialist/Public Benefits Specialist at levels 3, 4, or 5

Two years as a Work First Program Specialist or Work First Program Supervisor

OR

An equivalent combination of education and…