DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 5 – Supervisor (PBS5)

The Economic Services Administration, Community Services Division, invites applications for the Public Benefits Specialist Supervisor (PBS5) position in Oak Harbor, WA. The role directly supervises a unit of Public Benefits Specialists and lead workers, managing workflow and quality assurance for a Community Services Office (CSO). The supervisor ensures accountability, integrity, and payment accuracy across CSD programs, builds strategic partnerships with state and local entities, and handles sensitive personal identifiable information in the Washington Health Plan Finder (HPF) system.

A criminal background check is required.

• Supervise a unit of Public Benefits Specialists 1‑4 who gather information and determine client eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Arrange or conduct timely technical and professional training for staff, including the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training for new staff.
• Conduct regular unit and one‑on‑one meetings with staff.
• Explain policies, rules, procedures, and agency goals and performance information to unit staff.
• Analyze, monitor, and assign unit tasks, workload, and performance standards to ensure smooth flow of work.
• Complete employee performance appraisals and annual performance evaluations.
• Assist customers with the application process for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the HPF system on behalf of clients.
• Administer and adhere to provisions in the collective bargaining agreement and personnel rules.
• Analyze agency policy and practices and collaborate with other supervisors/management to develop, modify, or improve local policies and procedures.
• Effectively manage and maintain partnership relations with community partners.

Experience: One year of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3 or 4; OR bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, public assistance eligibility determination, or financial data analysis;
Three years of out‑of‑state experience in conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance (including financial, medical, and food benefit programs) will be considered toward experience.

Education: Related or closely related employment experience may substitute year for year for education.

• Build effective working relationships with subordinate lead workers, administrative officials, management team, service staff, partner agencies, contract providers, and the public.
• Analyze and evaluate performance data, identify trends, create reports, and communicate findings and issues to stakeholders.
• Maintain working knowledge of eligibility for all public assistance programs and assist others in interpretation and analysis of data.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job.

Apply today. Include a cover letter, resume, and current contact information for three professional references. Email the recruiter ilton.gov and reference job number 00101.

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, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, 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 7‑1‑1 or 1‑800‑833‑6384.