Public Benefits Specialist In-Training - Vancouver

Location:

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

Hybrid

Work Schedule:

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.

Closes:
Monday, October 19th, 2026

Salary: $4,517 - $5,928 monthly

Do you enjoy helping people navigate complex systems and connecting families with resources? If so, consider applying for the Public Benefits Specialist 1–3 In-Training position with DCYF. In this role, you’ll support families applying for or receiving Child Care Subsidy benefits through DCYF’s Contact Center in Vancouver. Your work helps families access affordable childcare that supports employment, education, and long-term stability while providing compassionate, knowledgeable customer service.

As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will provide direct customer service in a fast-paced call center, helping families apply for childcare assistance through Washington’s Child Care Subsidy Program. You’ll conduct interviews, review documentation, gather information from applicants and third parties, and determine eligibility based on state and federal rules. This role requires strong communication, sound judgment, and the ability to make independent decisions while navigating complex eligibility requirements.

You’ll assess household circumstances, explain program requirements, and provide accurate, respectful guidance.

Successful candidates are comfortable in a structured, high-volume call environment and committed to detailed, customer-focused work that supports family stability and access to early learning opportunities.

• 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…