DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

The Economic Services Administration's Community Service Division (CSD) has an exciting opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) to join our team at the Moses Lake Community Service Office.

The position is responsible to audit, coach, train and guide lower level Public Benefits Specialists. Also performs case audits/reviews and observational audits.

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

• Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for public assistance, including cash, food, and medical programs
• Facilitate program orientations and explain benefit pathways clearly and empathetically
• Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans to address barriers and support employment goals
• Refer clients to services such as domestic violence support, substance use treatment, mental health counselling, housing, and job training
• Coordinate with external agencies and service providers to align support plans
• Review and interpret complex documents–court orders, leases, medical notes to determine appropriate program fit
• Authorize and track supportive services such as transportation, childcare, or work clothing
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes and documentation in multiple systems (ACES, Barcode, eJAS, HPF, etc.)
• Respond to case audits, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations
• Participate in outreach efforts, home visits, and client advocacy as needed

• 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.
• Case planning insight – Strong understanding of how to build service plans that are realistic, trauma‑informed, and grounded in each client’s context.
• 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 assistance or long‑term care services.

• 5 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’s 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.

• Work schedule:
  
  8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and…