DSHS HCLA Public Benefits Specialist 4

Full Job Description

HCS Public Benefits Specialist 4

Home & Community Living Administration (HCLA), Home and Community Services is currently seeking Public Benefits Specialist 4s (PBS4), that can be located statewide across Washington. As a PBS4, you will provide comprehensive consultation about complex eligibility qualifications and skilled financial guidance to high-risk clients who are financially and medically dependent upon a full range of services and supports.

Home & Community Living Administration (HCLA) which promotes, plans, develops, and provides an array of long-term services and supports to people who have disabilities, are seniors, or have caregivers to maximize their independence, dignity, and quality of life.

Please note: We’re excited to offer multiple full-time opportunities on our team: both permanent and project-based positions. The project position, although temporary is benefit-eligible and is expected to be funded through June 30, 2027.

Some of what you'll do:

• Determine ongoing eligibility for Long-Term Services and Support programs, which include hospice, institutional care, and HCB Waiver Services.
• Conduct intensive, confidential interviews with clients, client representatives, attorneys, medical providers, and guardians; arrange accessibility, reasonable accommodations, or interpreters when necessary.
• Recognize and recalculate incorrect payments of grants, food benefits, medical assistance, and Long-Term Services and Supports.
• Provide professional case management.
• Input and receive data using multiple computer systems.
• Analyze written and oral information received and legal documents, which includes court orders, contracts, insurance policies, trusts, life estates, and promissory notes.
• Interpret the Washington Administrative Code, Revised Code of Washington, procedural manuals, policies, and policy clarifications.
• Use the statewide asset verification and real property database to evaluate the impacts of real property transfers, quit claims, and sales.
• Respond to case audits and make corrections.

Who should apply? Applicants may meet the qualifications for this role in several ways:

• 5 years of higher education and/or work experience in financial-based services, including at least one year of experience in areas such as:
  - Reviewing or processing loan applications.
  - Processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims.
  - Evaluating unemployment insurance claims.
  - Assisting staff with financial eligibility determinations.
  - Analyzing, verifying, or evaluating financial data.

OR

• Comparable experience from another state: Experience conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance programs (financial, medical, or food benefits).

OR

• A bachelor's degree or higher plus 12 months as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 (long-term care eligibility).

Preferred skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Rules and requirements governing the administration of long-term care programs; state and federal medical assistance programs, Home & Community based waivers, institutional program eligibility, Community First Choice, Medicaid Personal Care, Medicaid Alternative Care, Tailored Supports for Older Adults, Aged, Blind, Disabled cash assistance, Basic Food, and WASHCAP.
• Empathic to the philosophy of public assistance programs; state and federal welfare laws, rules, and regulations; principles, problems, and practices of public welfare administration; social and economic conditions, and their effects upon people.
• Can apply mathematical principles to calculations.
• Familiarity with using various computer programs.
• Communicate effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, engaging with people who have communication barriers, assisting underserved populations, and discussing private and unpleasant options, in person and over the phone.
• Can work with complex technical regulations and procedures, and interpret complex situations and adapt to frequent policy and procedure changes.
• Refrain from personal bias when determining eligibility.

Interested? Apply today!

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 01945.


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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