DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) has an exciting opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) – Regional Auditor to join our team at the Community Service Office in Lynnwood, WA. This position is hybrid, providing hands‑on support and leadership to staff and clients alike. We are hiring for multiple positions.

The Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) serves as lead worker and is expected to possess a high level of proficiency in all public benefit programs. The position is responsible for auditing, coaching, training and guiding lower-level Public Benefits Specialists. Also performs case audits/reviews and observational audits.

This position will have access to the Washington Health Plan Finder (HPF) system and personally identifiable information (PII). Per the Information Exchange Agreement No. 2013‑02 between the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and State‑Based Exchanges for the disclosure of health insurance affordability programs information under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, passing a criminal background check is required for this position.

When you work for DSHS, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians.

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:

• Assigns work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits.
• Audits/reviews work of Public Benefits Specialist staff. Conducts ongoing audits for new and experienced staff. Establish reports and recommendations to supervisor on staff progress.
• Detects error trends through audits to identify training needs.
• Performs more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development.
• Reviews cases and independently analyzes case actions for accuracy. Contacts staff, agencies and the community as necessary for clarifying information.
• Assists customers with the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of the clients.
• Conduct intensive interviews when necessary to determine eligibility for financial, Medical and/or food assistance benefits.
• Process all case actions in accordance with Federal and State processing and accuracy requirements.
• Supports local, office implementation of regional initiatives.
• Provide feedback to regional training staff on training gaps.
• Verifies and establishes over payments and completes referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.

• Eligibility expertise – You’ll need deep knowledge of Washington’s public assistance programs and the ability to assess and re-determine eligibility with accuracy.
• Policy fluency – Comfort navigating and applying WAC, RCW, and internal procedural manuals is essential to ensure services are legally sound.
• Analytical skills – You’ll be interpreting complex data and documentation to make fast, high‑stakes decisions—precision matters.
• Communication – Clear, respectful, and empathetic communication is key—especially when explaining tough decisions or diffusing high‑tension situations.
• Crisis navigation – This role regularly involves working with people in distress. You must stay calm, clear‑headed, and grounded in your professional boundaries.
• Resilience and flexibility – Programs shift. Priorities change. You need to adapt quickly, manage multiple tasks, and keep performance high without burning out.

• Professionals with 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public…