Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 In-Training (PBS3) - Vancouver

Our vision is to ensure that Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community.

• Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 In-Training (PBS3)

501 SE Columbia Shores Blvd., Ste 350, Vancouver, WA 98661

This position is currently designated as a telework position. Telework arrangements are subject to business needs and may change. You must be willing to report to the office for quarterly in-person meetings, IT or equipment support, or if the position is transitioned to an in-office work arrangement.

Tuesday, August 11th, 2026

$4,517 - $5,928 monthly

As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will provide direct customer service in a fast-paced call center environment, assisting families seeking childcare assistance through Washington State's Child Care Subsidy Program. You will independently conduct interviews, gather and evaluate information from applicants and third-party sources, review documentation, and determine initial and ongoing eligibility for benefits in accordance with state and federal laws, regulations, and policies.

This position requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to make independent decisions while navigating complex eligibility requirements. You will use specialized financial knowledge to assess household circumstances, explain program requirements, and provide accurate information to families in a professional, respectful, and compassionate manner.

Successful candidates will be comfortable working in a structured, customer-focused environment, managing a high volume of telephone interactions, and balancing attention to detail with a commitment to excellent customer service. Through your work, you will help ensure children have access to quality early learning opportunities while supporting families in achieving greater stability and self-sufficiency.

DCYF is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We value the unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of our employees and foster an inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed, respected, and empowered to thrive.

to learn more about DCYF.

• Conduct intensive interviews with customers to determine eligibility for services, or continued eligibility for services when notifying the program of changes of circumstances for Child Care benefits.
• Process Child Care applications received from the Washington Connection online applications, in the Document Management System (DMS), and through interactive interviews.
• Analyze collected oral and written information to determine accurate benefits and continued program eligibility.
• Finalize Child Care applications and reapplications with information received and verified for accurate determination of eligibility.
• Refer clients to both mandatory and optional services, including to other agencies as required.
• Take actions necessary to ensure that limited English proficient clients receive properly translated forms and translation services from state certified, contracted translators and interpreters.
• Authorize Working Connections Child Care Subsidy payment to approved Licensed facility and Family Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Subsidy Providers through the Social Services Payment System (SSPS).
• Compute and initiate over payments and client notifications when necessary.
• Issue reimbursements and benefits when appropriate to correct under issuances.
• Assist Child Care Providers with subsidy payment information and other requirements to receive subsidy.

The goal class of this position is a Public Benefits Specialist 3 (PBS3). We will also consider candidates at the PBS1 & PBS2 levels, with a training plan to advance to the goal class. The Hiring Manager will evaluate the education and experience of each candidate for one of the levels mentioned below.

Please review the qualifications for each level below and ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet at least one of the listed qualification options.

• Public Benefits…