DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4, Lead worker

Elevate your career in a lead role that truly makes a difference! The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD), seeks a Public Benefit Specialist 4 (PBS4) to join our team in Seattle, WA. This full‑time position is located at the Capitol Hill Community Services Office (CSO) and provides hands‑on support and leadership to staff and clients alike.

• Assign work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits.
• Perform complex duties related to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development.
• Verify and establish over payments and complete referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
• Audit and review the work of Public Benefits Specialist staff; produce reports and recommendations for supervisors regarding staff progress.
• Detect error trends through audits to identify training needs.
• Serve as a job coach for staff.
• Maintain and review procedures for efficient workflow.
• Review cases and independently analyze case actions for accuracy; contact staff, agencies, and the community as necessary for clarification.
• Use basic understanding of the administrative hearing process to review cases and help decide if a hearing request can be settled prior to submission.
• Assist customers with the application process for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of clients.
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints.

• Extensive knowledge of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and procedural manuals needed to determine eligibility for all programs administered by CSD.
• Proficient with all computer programs used by the Community Service Division.
• Frequently review data in the State’s computer systems to make accurate decisions.
• Interact with all DSHS staff and serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.
• Independently plan and manage multiple financial cases or projects within specified timelines.
• Remain calm under pressure and manage job stress effectively.
• Work effectively in a fast‑paced environment, demonstrating flexibility while meeting performance standards.
• USCIS Public Benefits Specialist Training Program completion is required.

• Professionals with at least 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
• OR 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.
• OR a combined total of five years of higher education and/or equivalent experience, including at least one year’s equivalent work experience. Equivalent experience may include:
  • Providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities
  • Experience examining or 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

• 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible for a free ORCA card for transportation use.

• Medical, vision, dental, and basic life insurance; multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums.
• Health Flexible Spending Account; discretionary benefit to add coverage.
• Long‑term disability insurance and the option to purchase additional coverage.
• Dependent care assistance and other insurance coverage available through payroll deduction.
• Retirement participation in Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS); option to contribute to Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).
• Full and partial paid leave, including holidays, sick leave, and vacation per WAC and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Social Security and Medicare coverage for all state employees; equal pay contributions.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for government or not‑for‑profit employees meeting qualifying criteria.