DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist ; Auditor​/Job Coach

DSHS ESA – Public Benefits Specialist 4, Auditor/Job Coach

Elevate your career in a lead role that truly makes a difference! The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division, has an opportunity as a Public Benefit Specialist 4, Auditor/Job Coach (PBS4) to join our Regional Auditing Team in Region 1 HQ. The selected candidates will report to the Regional Financial Coordinator and Training Manager. The duty station may be located anywhere within Region 1.

As an Auditor/Job Coach, you will serve as an auditor and job coach, providing guidance and oversight to Public Benefit Specialists who determine eligibility for cash, food, and medical assistance programs throughout Region 1. You will assign work, conduct thorough audits, and support both new and experienced staff in maintaining high standards of accuracy, quality, and customer service. By identifying error trends, delivering targeted coaching, and reinforcing program policies and procedures, you will play a key role in strengthening staff performance, improving service delivery, and promoting consistency and efficiency across Region 1.

You’ll perform complex tasks such as establishing financial eligibility, interpreting rules, and developing procedures. Your expertise will also be crucial in verifying over payments, making referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery, and reviewing cases for accuracy. You'll engage with staff, agencies, and the community to clarify information and support clients throughout their application process.

If you are an experienced professional ready to lead, mentor, and ensure the quality of public assistance services, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact within the Community Services Division.

• Assign, coordinate, and monitor the work of Public Benefits Specialist staff processing cash, food, and medical assistance benefits.
• Provide guidance on complex eligibility determinations, policy interpretation, and procedural implementation.
• Conduct audits and case reviews to ensure accuracy, identify error trends, and recommend corrective actions and training opportunities.
• Verify and establish over payments and complete referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
• Coach, train, and support staff to promote professional development and program compliance.
• Review and improve procedures to maintain efficient workflows and consistent service delivery.
• Resolve customer concerns, assist with eligibility-related issues, and support administrative hearing preparation and case resolution.

• Knowledge of Washington Administrative Code (WAC), policies, and procedures used to determine eligibility for Community Services Division programs.
• Proficiency using computer systems and applications to process cases, research information, and make accurate eligibility decisions.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex data from multiple sources to ensure accurate and timely case actions.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to interact professionally and respectfully with clients, coworkers, and community partners.
• Ability to independently prioritize and manage a high-volume workload while meeting established deadlines.
• Resilience and professionalism when working in high-pressure situations and handling challenging customer interactions.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and effectively manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment while meeting performance expectations.

• 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…