DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Service Division (CSD) has an entry‑level Public Benefits Specialist position at our South Bend, WA office. This full‑time role includes on‑site training and offers a pathway to a rewarding career in public service.

As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will help people apply for public assistance services through face‑to‑face interactions and over the phone. You will determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by interviewing applicants and obtaining information from individuals and third parties. You will also process online applications and all case actions using the appropriate computer programs.

• Learn to process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs using internal software.
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.
• Gather and review data, applications, related documents, 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. You will work with customers from diverse backgrounds who speak many languages. Extensive virtual classroom training supports your development, and supervisors will guide you at every step.

• Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determination (e.g., loan application, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims).
• A bachelor’s degree.
• A combination of years of the above experience and education totaling four years.
• One year of the above experience and education totaling four years.

• Thrives in a standardized work setting.
• Is able to learn and utilize various computer programs.
• Can communicate effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, working with those who have communication challenges, assisting underserved populations, and discussing confidential and unpleasant options, in person and over the phone.
• Can work with complex technical regulations and procedures, and analyze complex situations.
• Will refrain from personal bias when determining eligibility.
• Is competent to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions.

This position starts in‑training during the first 15 or more months. During this time, the salary range outlined below is the standard progression at the completion of each phase in the training period. Hiring supervisors determine the in‑training start level and salary range based on the candidate’s professional work experience and/or educational background.

Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,093.00 Step G – $4,632.00 Step L

Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,299.00 Step D – $5,241.00 Step L

Public Benefits Specialist 3: $4,740.00 Step E – $5,643.00 Step L

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 based on 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 may contact the recruiter at (360) 725‑5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may contact the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7‑1‑1 or 1‑800‑833‑6384.

E‑Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.