Public Benefits Specialist In-Training; PBS- Yakima

Public Benefits Specialist 1–3 In-Training

Our vision is to ensure that "All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community". Attention:
This recruitment has been reposted for additional applicants. If you have already applied, no need to reapply; your application status remains unchanged.

Job Title:

Public Benefits Specialist 1–3 In-Training

Location:

Hybrid – 1002 N 16th Ave., Yakima, WA 98901

Hybrid

Work Schedule:

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule; however, regular in-office attendance is required to meet business needs. Employees should anticipate working in the office approximately 2–3 days per week until they have demonstrated full independence and proficiency in performing the duties of the position.

Closes:
Thursday, July 9th, 2026

Salary:

• Public Benefits Specialist 1 (PBS1): (G) $4,517 - $5,111 monthly
• Public Benefits Specialist 2 (PBS2): (F) $4,746 - $5,506 monthly
• Public Benefits Specialist 3 (PBS3): (E) $4,980 - $5,928 monthly

Do you enjoy helping people navigate complex systems and connecting families with resources that support their success? Are you passionate about providing exceptional customer service and making a meaningful impact in the Yakima community? If so, we encourage you to apply for the Public Benefits Specialist 1–3 In-Training position with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

In this role, you will serve as a trusted resource for families applying for or receiving Child Care Subsidy benefits. Working within DCYF's Child Care Subsidy Contact Center in Yakima, you will help families access affordable childcare services that support employment, education, and long-term stability. Every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive difference by connecting families with critical resources while delivering compassionate, knowledgeable, and equitable customer service.

Your work directly supports DCYF's mission to partner with children, youth, and families to strengthen opportunities, connections, and communities while promoting safety, stability, and positive outcomes.

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.

The Opportunity:

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.

Some of what you will do:

• 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…