DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

Full Job Description

Public Benefits Specialist 4 - Lead Worker for the WASHCAP Central Unit The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 to serve as a lead worker in the WASHCAP Central Unit located out of the Olympia Community Service Office in Tumwater.

This unit provides statewide services to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), supporting accurate and timely access to public benefits.

This position serves as a technical resource and quality assurance support for Public Benefits Specialists across the state.

The work requires advanced financial eligibility knowledge, strong analytical skills, and the ability to interpret and apply federal and state policy.

You will review casework, identify trends, provide coaching, and assist with resolving complex eligibility issues that impact program integrity and customer experience.

This role combines advanced eligibility work with auditing, training, and system-level coordination. Your contributions support consistency, accuracy, and fairness in benefit delivery for some of Washington’s most vulnerable residents.

Please note: In-person coverage for the Olympia office follows a rotating schedule shared by supervisors and leads from the Southwest Call Center and WASHCAP.

When assigned, coverage is provided on a weekly basis, Tuesday–Thursday. Based on the rotation, this occurs approximately seven times per year, but is subject to change.

When not scheduled for in-office coverage, teleworking from home is currently approved, based on business needs.

See why people like you choose careers with DSHS:

Some of what you will do:

• Conduct audits and reviews of Public Benefits Specialist casework, including ongoing reviews for new and established staff.
• Identify error trends through audits and observations and recommend training or process improvements.
• Serve as a technical resource and job coach, providing guidance on policy, procedures, and complex eligibility issues.
• Perform advanced financial eligibility determinations, rule interpretation, and procedural development related to WASHCAP and other CSD programs.
• Resolve complex statewide cases, including discrepancies, corrections, and overpayments, with authority to access cases across offices.
• Verify and establish overpayments and complete referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
• Review cases for potential administrative hearing resolution and support appropriate corrective action.
• Assist individuals with Apple Health applications by entering information into the Health Plan Finder system.
• Monitor workflow and assignments using systems such as ACES, ACES Online, Barcode, 3G, CMS, and Health Plan Finder.
• Collaborate with CSD Headquarters, the Social Security Administration, and federal partners to support WASHCAP operations.
• Support and deliver training for new and existing staff, including on-the-job instruction.
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints and escalations related to case accuracy and service delivery.
• Participate in approved outreach and community-based activities that support access, partnerships, and cultural competence.
• Serve in a stand-in capacity during the supervisor’s absence, supporting daily operations and case consultation.

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 long-term care services.

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 program knowledge: Applying advanced understanding of financial, medical, and food assistance programs, including Washington Administrative Code and federal requirements, to support accurate eligibility decisions and statewide consistency.
• Case review and audit skills: Reviewing complex case actions, identifying errors or trends, and ensuring corrective action is taken to maintain program integrity and compliance.
• Technical guidance and coaching: Providing clear, timely policy interpretation, system navigation support, and job coaching to Public Benefits Specialists working through complex or unfamiliar scenarios.
• Analytical thinking: Evaluating written and verbal information, identifying patterns, and exercising sound judgment when resolving discrepancies, overpayments, or escalated cases.
• Written and verbal communication: Communicating clearly and professionally with staff, partners, and individuals, including explaining program requirements and documenting case actions accurately.
• Technical proficiency: Comfort using multiple software applications and systems and reviewing data to ensure accuracy while meeting performance expectations.

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 Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 09236.

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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