ES Benefit Specialist 1: Telework

Full Job Description

We are hiring for multiple positions, we encourage those who fluently read, write, and speak in other language(s) in addition to English to apply.

The ideal candidate for the ES Benefits Specialist 1 role is someone who is deeply committed to equitable access and public service.

They bring a strong sense of purpose to supporting Washington’s workers and understand the importance of delivering accurate, timely, and compassionate Unemployment Insurance (UI) services.

They thrive in a fast-paced environment where every interaction—whether by phone, email, chat, or other channels—has the potential to make a meaningful difference in someone’s economic stability.

These candidates excel at navigating complex information and resolving issues with professionalism and care.

They are skilled at interviewing, analyzing wage and eligibility data, identifying discrepancies, and processing a wide range of claim types, including those requiring specialized knowledge.

Their communication style is clear, patient, and adaptable, allowing them to explain requirements, rights, and processes to claimants, employers, and third-party partners with confidence.

They demonstrate sound judgment, follow federal and state regulations with precision, and know when to escalate issues to ensure accuracy and fairness.

Beyond customer-facing work, the ideal candidats are equally strong in behind-the-scenes claim processing.

They are comfortable managing multiple work queues, handling specialty intake tasks, processing applications, responding to web notices, and maintaining accurate claimant records.

They approach each task with a balance of efficiency and attention to detail, ensuring that every action supports the integrity of the UI program.

Above all, they embody empathy, accountability, and a commitment to helping every claimant—regardless of language, background, or circumstance—access the benefits and support they need.

Requirements

Provide direct customer service support for Unemployment Insurance services for all claim types. This includes:

Provide claim processing support for Unemployment Insurance services through the completion of non-phone work. This includes:

Participate in training, special projects, and assignments. This includes:

To request a detailed position description, click here.

Qualifications

Required equity competencies:

Required experience includes:

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy.

Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents.

Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.

Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field.

A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa.

Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.

These positions require hardwired cable access to stable and consistent high-speed internet service. Internet services that provide data in batches such as satellite internet and cellular hot spots are not compatible with our Claims Center phone system.

Internet speeds of 30mbps download and 2mbps upload and latency (ping) speeds under 50ms. To test your internet speed please go to: www.speedtest.net. YOU MUST ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR RESULTS FROM SPEEDTEST.NET WITH YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER.

Additional Information

Our agency's mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship.

We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities.

Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.

Opportunity for All

We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity.

Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Caleb Baldwin or at 253-306-2999 or the Talent Acquisition Team, prior to the position closing.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.

This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions, including Dual Language positions, in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.