DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

Overview

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 5 – The Economic Services Administration, Community Services Division has a leadership opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist Supervisor (PBS5) to join our team in Oak Harbor, WA.

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 5 – The Economic Services Administration, Community Services Division has a leadership opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist Supervisor (PBS5) to join our team in Oak Harbor, WA. This role directly supervises and manages workflow and quality assurance for a unit of Public Benefits Specialists and lead workers within a Community Services Office (CSO).

This role is a fundamental part of maintaining accountability and integrity of all CSD programs by providing quality control and insuring payment accuracy. The position influences outcomes and builds strategic partnerships with entities such as other state agencies and local community offices for the delivery of human services to individuals, families and communities. The role will have access to the Washington Health Plan Finder (HPF) system and personally identifiable information (PII).

Passing a criminal background check is required for this position.

• Supervises a unit of Public Benefits Specialists 1-4 who gather information and determine client eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Conducts or arranges for timely technical and professional training for staff, including the agency s Public Benefits Specialist Training for new staff.
• Conducts regular and productive unit and 1:1 meetings with staff.
• Explains policies, rules, procedures and agency goals and performance information to unit staff.
• Analyzes, monitors and assigns unit tasks, workload, and performance standards to ensure smooth flow of work.
• Completes employee performance appraisals and annual performance evaluations.
• Assists customers with the process of applying for Apple Health by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of clients.
• Administers and adheres to provisions in the collective bargaining agreement and personnel rules.
• Analyzes agency policy and practices and collaborates with other supervisors/management to develop, modify, or improve local policies and procedures.
• Effectively manages and maintains partnership relations with community partners.

• Ability to build effective working relationships with assigned subordinate lead workers, administration officials, management team, service staff, partner agencies, contract providers, and the public.
• Effectively manage and maintain partnership relations with community partners.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate performance data, identify trends, create reports, to communicate findings and issues to stakeholders.
• Maintain working knowledge of eligibility for all public assistance programs.
• Ability to assist others in interpretation and analysis of data.

One year of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3 or 4. OR Bachelor’s degree and three years of experience examining/processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or a job providing staff support in public assistance eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information. Three years of out-of-state experience, conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs will be considered toward experience.

Note:

Related or closely related employment experience may substitute year for year for education.

Apply today! Please include the following with your application:

• Cover letter, resume and current contact information for three professional references.

Email the recruiter ilton.gov and reference job number 00101.

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 identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran status, or other protected veteran status, disability, or genetic information.

Applicants who require accommodation may contact the Recruiter. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. DHS.

Employee benefits include health and retirement plans, paid leave, training, and other compensation benefits that can be mixed and matched to meet needs. Benefits details are subject to appointment type and CBAs. See the posted job for specifics.

Updated 01-07-2026