DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist
Listed on 2026-07-27
-
Social Work
Human Services/ Social Work, Government Administration -
Government
Human Services/ Social Work, Government Administration
Description
Public Benefits Specialist 4 - Case Planning and Support Specialist
Every day, people across Washington state face hard moments. A lost job. A sudden bill. A family crisis. In those moments, the Washington State DSHS's Community Service Division (CSD) becomes a lifeline. We are currently hiring for a Case Planning and Support Specialist to join our Lakewood Community Services Office in Lakewood, WA.
Description
Public Benefits Specialist 4 - Case Planning and Support Specialist
Every day, people across Washington state face hard moments. A lost job. A sudden bill. A family crisis. In those moments, the Washington State DSHS's Community Service Division (CSD) becomes a lifeline. We are currently hiring for a Case Planning and Support Specialist to join our Lakewood Community Services Office in Lakewood, WA.
In this position, you ll help people take the first step toward stability by guiding individuals and families through programs that provide essential support. You ll listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions and help people understand what help may be available to them. This position blends careful analysis with human connection. You ll review financial information, verify documents and determine eligibility for assistance programs.
At the same time, you ll help people build plans to remove barriers, find services and move toward employment and self-sufficiency.
Even though you will be working independently to decide eligibility and handle complex case decisions, you ll also work closely with community partners such as training providers and social service programs to coordinate services and support people facing complex challenges. The decisions you make help ensure that assistance reaches the people who need it and that public resources are used responsibly.
Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
See Why People Like You Choose Careers With DSHS
Some Of What You Will Do
- Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for public assistance, including cash, food, and medical programs.
- Determine and redetermine eligibility for assistance programs using program rules and careful document review.
- Conduct group and one-on-one orientations that explain programs clearly to new applicants.
- Develop, monitor, and update personalized case plans that address barriers and support employment goals.
- Connect people to housing support, mental health care, substance use treatment, job training, and other community services.
- Review and interpret documents such as court orders, leases, and medical notes to determine the right program fit.
- Authorize and track support services like transportation, childcare, or work clothing.
- Visit clients at home or another location when they cannot come into the office, to complete assessments and connect them with services.
- Identify over payments, refer them to the Office of Financial Recovery, respond to case audits, and act as a mandatory reporter when needed.
- Maintain accurate case notes and documentation across systems such as ACES, Barcode, eJAS, and the Health Plan Finder.
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
Requirements
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.
Satisfactory completion of the agency s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility…
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