DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4
- Case Planning And Support Specialist

The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) has an exciting opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4). This position is a specialist level and independently provides intensive and expert eligibility services and professional case planning for a broad range of individuals seeking specialty program services through the Community Services Division.

Scope of work includes:

• Conducts Orientation for Community Services division programs.
• Determines each client eligibility and appropriateness for public assistance programs, including but not limited to Diversion Cash Assistance and performs more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility.
• Screens and refers clients for more intensive services such as:
  Domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health, employment and training services etc.
• Develops, revises, monitors and updates case plans.
• Identifies, analyzes and discusses client circumstances and refers to community resources and contractors to remove barriers and to support employment.
• Assesses the need for and authorizes appropriate support services.
• Analyzes and verifies complex legal documents and other forms of documentation to determine appropriate programs and service options available to clients. This position is expected to possess a high level of proficiency in CSD-administered public assistance programs.

Some of what you will do:

• Independently determines and re-determines client eligibility for CSD-administered public assistance programs.
• Conducts intensive interviews with the client.
• Conducts orientations to specialty programs.
• Performs more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning1 and procedural development.
• Verifies and establishes over payments and completes referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
• Provides professional case management, assesses needs and develops service plans and referrals to appropriate programs and services for a broad range of clients seeking BFET, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and other applicable public assistance programs.
• Monitors client progress and updates service plans, assists with removing barriers to participation and provides referrals for appropriate services.
• Works closely with employment, training and educational providers to coordinate case plans and services provided to CSD program participants.
• Inputs and receives data using multiple automated systems to perform eligibility and case planning/management work
• Maintains confidentiality of client data.
• Analyzes written and oral information received for impact on client eligibility and service plans, changes in policy or procedures, or other necessary action.
• Obtains and reviews necessary case documentation and verification to determine eligibility and appropriate service plan options.
• Reads and interprets Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Revised Code of Washington (RCW), procedural manuals, policies, and policy clarifications.
• Works within time frames and deadlines, which are dictated by program requirements, and adheres to performance measures set by the agency.
• Contacts DSHS staff, partner agencies and the community as necessary for clarifying information.
• Answer all questions regarding benefits or available services. Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs.
• Processes all case actions in accordance with Federal and State processing and accuracy requirements.
• As assigned, participates in supervisor-approved, community-based activities for the purpose of engaging in outreach, furthering the mission of the Department, increasing knowledge and cultural competence,…