DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

Economic Services Administration (ESA) Community Service Division has an entry‑level position as a Public Benefits Specialist. This full‑time role involves on‑site work in the Mount Vernon Community Services Office and provides training. The position offers a gateway to a rewarding career in public service.

Salary: $4,517/month at Step G, increases as training progresses. Below is the salary progression for training steps:

• Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,517 Step G – $5,111 Step L (6 months)
• Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,746 Step F – $5,506 Step L (6 months)
• Public Benefits Specialist 3: $5,240 Step G – $5,928 Step L

We welcome dedicated individuals who meet the minimum requirements below.

• Assist applicants applying for public assistance services face‑to‑face and over the phone.
• Determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews and obtaining information from individuals and third parties.
• Process applications received online and all case actions using appropriate computer programs.
• Learn to process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, Child Care, SNAP, and Medicaid Assistance programs.
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.
• Gather and review data, applications, and verification for each benefit program as it relates to each person's circumstances.
• Process all applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements based on household income and size.
• Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs, and answer questions regarding benefits or available services to clients.

A career in public service can be demanding yet rewarding. Clients come from diverse backgrounds and speak many languages. Classroom training and ongoing support will help you grow.

• Four years in a customer service job involving public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determination (e.g., loan applications, medical insurance claims, rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims). College education can substitute year‑for‑year experience.
• OR one year of equivalent out‑of‑state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance including financial, medical, and food benefit programs.

• Thrives in a standardized work setting.
• Ability to learn and utilize various computer programs.
• Effective communication with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, working with communication challenges, assisting underserved populations, and discussing confidential options, both in person and over the phone.
• Capability to work with complex technical regulations and procedures and analyze complex situations.
• Refrains from personal bias when determining eligibility.
• Prioritizes and performs multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions.

• Cover Letter
• Resume

If you are ready to start a rewarding career, Apply today!

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, or equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the recruiter at (360) 725‑5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 811 or 1‑800‑833‑6384.

Questions? Please contact Recruiter Sharon Sterling rling.gov or call Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725‑5810 and reference job number 04758.

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