DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

Full Job Description

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4, Lead
Elevate your career in a lead role that truly makes a difference! The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division is hiring for a thoughtful, organized, and collaborative Public Benefits Specialist 4 to join our Rainier Community Service Office, in Seattle, WA. This position is in office, providing hands-on support and leadership to staff and clients alike.

As a Lead, you’ll take on a critical role in guiding and supporting a team of Public Benefits Specialists who process cash, medical, and food benefits. You will be responsible for assigning work, conducting thorough audits, and ensuring that both new and experienced staff maintain high standards in service delivery. By identifying error trends and providing targeted coaching, you’ll help shape the development and efficiency of the team.

In addition to leading a team, you’ll perform complex tasks such as establishing financial eligibility, interpreting rules, and developing procedures. Your expertise will also be crucial in verifying overpayments, making referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery, and reviewing cases for accuracy. You'll engage with staff, agencies, and the community to clarify information and support clients throughout their application process.

If you are an experienced professional ready to lead, mentor, and ensure the quality of public assistance services, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact within the Community Services Division.

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:


Note: King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

Some of what you'll do:

• Provide technical guidance, real-time coaching, and policy interpretation to Public Benefits Specialists working with financial, food, and medical assistance programs.
• Conduct audits of casework to identify error trends, recommend trainings to support staff developmentand corrective actions if needed.
• Investigate and resolve complaints, client escalations, and errors in benefit determination.
• Assist with complex eligibility determinations, overpayments, and case reviews requiring higher-level analysis.
• Act in a lead capacity, assigning work and supporting the supervisor with workload coordination and performance monitoring.
• Support staff in navigating and using technology systems such as ACES, Barcode, Health Plan Finder, and ICMS accurately and efficiently.
• Participate in training new employees and developing resources to improve consistency and quality across the team.
• Serve as acting supervisor in their absence, including attending leadership meetings and making operational decisions.
• Represent the division’s goals of equity, quality, and accessibility in daily decision-making and team guidance.
• Contribute to community outreach and cultural competency initiatives as needed.

What we're looking for:

• Possess extensive knowledge of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and procedural manuals needed to determine eligibility for all programs administered by CSD
• Proficiently utilize all computer programs in use by the Community Service Division
• Frequently review data found in the State’s computer systems to make accurate decisions
• Interact with all DSHS staff and serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy and responsiveness
• Independently plan and manage multiple financial cases or projects to be completed within specified timelines
• Stay calm under pressure, and effectively manage the stress of the job.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment, and be able to demonstrate flexibility in completing multiple assignments while meeting performance standards.

Who should apply?

• Professionals with 12 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

5 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’s 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.

Interested?
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez at saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 02099.


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.

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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