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Posted: January 6, 2026 (9 days ago)

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DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 5

State of Washington

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Recent

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$5,011 - $6,735

per month

Closes

January 14, 2026More State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job is for a supervisor who leads a team of specialists helping people apply for government aid programs like healthcare and financial support.

The role involves training staff, checking work quality, managing daily tasks, and partnering with community groups to ensure accurate and fair service delivery.

It's a good fit for someone with experience in benefits administration who enjoys leading teams and solving problems for vulnerable families.

Key Requirements

  • One year of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3 or 4
  • OR Bachelor's degree with three years of relevant experience in public benefits or social services
  • Strong supervisory skills to manage and train a team of specialists
  • Knowledge of public assistance program eligibility rules and policies
  • Ability to analyze performance data, create reports, and identify trends
  • Skills in building partnerships with community organizations and agencies
  • Passing a criminal background check due to access to sensitive personal information

Full Job Description

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 Federal Way, 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.

This role will have access to the Washington Health Plan Finder (HPF) system and personally identifiable information (PII). Per the Information Exchange Agreement No.

2013-02 between the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and State-Based Exchanges for the disclosure of health insurance affordability programs information under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, passing a criminal background check is required for this position.

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:

  • 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 meeting with staff.
  • Explains policies, rules, procedures and agency goals and performance information to unit staff.
  • Analyzing, monitoring and assigning unit tasks, workload, and performance standards to ensure smooth flow of work.
  • Completing employee performance appraisals and annual performance evaluations to review.
  • Assist customers with the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of clients.
  • Administering and adhering to provisions in the collective bargaining agreement and personnel rules.
  • Analyzing agency policy and practices and collaborating with other supervisors/management to develop, modify, or improve local policies and procedures.
  • Effectively manage and maintain partnership relations with community partners.

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

  • 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.

Who should apply?

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.

Interested?
Apply today! Please include the following with your application:
  • Cover letter, resume and current contact information for three professional references.

Questions? Email the recruiter at vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 09249.

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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Posted on NEOGOV: 1/6/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/7/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5184112