DSHS ESA CSD Public Benefits Specialist

DSHS ESA CSD – Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

The Economic Services Administration's Community Service Division (ESA) CSD is hiring entry-level positions as a Public Benefits Specialist within our Statewide Customer Service Contact Center, with training provided. These exciting opportunities involve working on-site at our Community Services Office (CSO) in Spokane Valley, WA.

As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will help people applying for public assistance services over the phone. You'll determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews, obtaining information from individuals and third parties, and process applications received online using the appropriate computer programs.

This full-time career can be a gateway to a rewarding profession in public service. We are looking for dedicated people who meet the minimum requirements and are eager to make a difference.

Please note:

This is an in‑office position with future potential to become a hybrid telework position. During the training period, employees will be required to work in the office five days per week.

• 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, 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. Your customers come from diverse backgrounds and speak many languages. There is a lot to learn, and classroom training is a big part of the beginning. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

We would like to hire someone who has the education and/or experience as listed below:

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

We would like to hire someone who:

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

• Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,517.00 Step G – $5,111.00 Step L (6 months)
• Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,746.00 Step F – $5,506.00 Step L (6 months)
• Public Benefits Specialist 3: $4,980.00 Step E – $5,928.00 Step L

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today! Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna a.gov and reference job number #05468
.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ 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…