DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

Position: DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

Economic Services Administration Community Service Division has an entry‑level Public Benefits Specialist position. This full‑time career is based on on‑site work at the Pierce South Community Services Office in Tacoma, WA. Applicants who are compassionate and detail‑oriented will find a rewarding profession in public service.

Salary Progression In Training Steps

• Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,428.00 Step G – $5,011.00 Step L (6 months)
• Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,428.00 Step D – $5,398.00 Step L (6 months)
• Public Benefits Specialist 3: $4,882.00 Step E – $5,812.00 Step L (6 months)

Some Of What You Will Do

• Process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, Child Care, SNAP, and Medicaid 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 client’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.

How You’ll Grow

A career in public service can be demanding yet rewarding. Your customers come from diverse backgrounds and speak many languages. We provide classroom training and ongoing support at every step of the way.

We’re looking for applicants who have the education and/or experience as listed below

• Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination (college education can substitute year‑for‑year for experience).
• One year of equivalent, out‑of‑state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include 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, assisted 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.

Questions?

Please contact saleen.hernandez.gov or call Talent Acquisition  and reference project number 08811.

Supplemental Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license.

Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 on the basis of 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 or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or

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

#J-18808-Ljbffr