DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) has an exciting opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) – Case Planning and Support Specialist (CPSS) to join our team at the Community Service Office in Mason, WA. This position works full-time in the office, providing hands-on support and leadership to staff and clients alike.

As a Case Planning and Support Specialist, you’ll be the go-to expert for clients navigating challenging life circumstances and the public systems designed to support them. This is the perfect role for someone who can read between the lines, build trust quickly, and connect individuals to the right mix of services, at the right time. You’ll assess eligibility for multiple assistance programs, develop tailored case plans, and coordinate with partners across healthcare, housing, employment, and more.

Every day is varied. Every decision matters. You’ll need excellent judgment, a strong grasp of policy, and the ability to manage complexity with care.

When You Work For DSHS, Your Compassion Shows At Work Every Day, Helping The Lives Of Your Fellow Washingtonians. See Why People Like You Chose Careers With DSHS

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 People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

• 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…