DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

Full Job Description

Public Benefits Specialist 4 - Case Planning and Support Specialist Every day, people across Washington state face hard moments. A lost job. A sudden bill. A family crisis.

In those moments, the Washington State DSHS's Community Service Division (CSD) becomes a lifeline.

We are currently hiring for a Case Planning and Support Specialist to join our Yakima Community Services Office in Yakima, WA.

In this position, you'll help people take the first step toward stability by guiding individuals and families through programs that provide essential support.

You'll listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions and help people understand what help may be available to them. This position blends careful analysis with human connection.

You'll review financial information, verify documents and determine eligibility for assistance programs.

At the same time, you'll help people build plans to remove barriers, find services and move toward employment and self-sufficiency.

Even though you will be working independently to decide eligibility and handle complex case decisions, you'll also work closely with community partners such as training providers and social service programs to coordinate services and support people facing complex challenges.

The decisions you make help ensure that assistance reaches the people who need it most and that public resources are used responsibly.

See why people like you choose careers with DSHS:

Some of what you will do:

• Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for public assistance, including cash, food, and medical programs.
• Decide eligibility for programs like cash, food and medical assistance using detailed rules and careful review.
• Lead group or one-on-one orientations to explain programs in a way that is clear and easy to understand.
• Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans to address barriers and support employment goals.
• Connect people to services such as housing support, mental health care, substance use treatment and job training
• Coordinate with external agencies and service providers to align support plans.
• Review and interpret complex documents—court orders, leases, medical notes—to determine appropriate program fit.
• Authorize and track supportive services such as transportation, childcare, or work clothing.
• Identify overpayments and take action to correct them following state and federal rules.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes and documentation in multiple systems (ACES, Barcode, eJAS, HPF, etc.).
• Respond to case audits, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Help train and support newer staff by sharing knowledge and guidance when assigned.

Who should apply? Professionals with:

Twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.

OR
A bachelor’s degree or higher AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance.

OR
Five years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience may substitute for degree and PBS work experience requirements. Total must include at least one-year equivalent work experience. Examples of equivalent experience include but are not limited to:

• Providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities.
• Experience examining/processing loan applications.
• Medical insurance or rehabilitation claims.
• Unemployment insurance claims.
• Providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.

AND
Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.

Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance, including financial, medical and food benefit programs, will be considered toward experience. Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we're looking for:

• Eligibility expertise: Analyze financial, legal and personal documentation to determine and re-determine eligibility for public assistance programs administered through the Community Services Division.
• Policy interpretation: Apply Washington Administrative Code, Revised Code of Washington and agency procedural manuals to ensure eligibility decisions and case actions meet federal and state requirements.
• Case planning: Develop and monitor service plans that address barriers to participation while connecting individuals to employment, training and support services.
• Cultural awareness: Provide services respectfully to individuals from diverse backgrounds and ensure interpreter or translation services are used when working with people with limited English proficiency.
• Analytical skills: Evaluate written and verbal information, identify patterns and determine appropriate program actions or service referrals based on the information gathered.
• Communication: Explain benefit programs, eligibility decisions and program requirements clearly while maintaining respectful and effective interactions with individuals and partners.
• Crisis navigation: De-escalate difficult interactions and support individuals experiencing stress or frustration while maintaining professionalism and service standards.
• Confidentiality: Safeguard sensitive personal information by following strict privacy rules and ensuring all client data is handled, stored and shared appropriately.

Interested? Apply today!

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions? Please contact DSHS Recruiter, Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 02362.

Additional Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may 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.

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 (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.



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