DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 Economic Services Administration's Community Service Division has an exciting entry-level position as a Public Benefits Specialist, with training provided. This role involves working on-site at our Belltown Community Services Office located in Seattle, WA. When you work for us, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians. This full-time career can be a gateway to a rewarding profession in public service. Those hired into the Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 training plan with ESA CSD can expect a minimum monthly salary of $4,517 (Range 43, Step G). This salary will increase as the employee successfully progresses in their training. Projected timelines and ranges for this progression are shown below. Salary Progression in Training Steps: Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,517.00 Step G – $5,111.00 Step L (6 months) Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,746.00 Step F – $5,506.00 Step L (6 months) Public Benefits Specialist 3: $5,240.00 Step G – $5,928.00 Step L 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. We look forward to welcomingdedicated peoplewhomeet theminimumrequirements listed belowand are eager to make a difference.See why others like you have chosen a career with us: As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will help people applying for publicassistanceservices through face-to-face interactions and over the phone.You'lldetermineeligibility for all publicassistanceprograms by conducting interviews, obtaining information from individuals and third parties. You will also process applications received online and process all case actions using theappropriate computerprograms. Some of what you will do: Using internal software, learn to process applications forinitialand on-going eligibility determinations for Financial, Child Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs. Conductintensive interviews and independentlydetermineeligibility. Gather and review data, applications,and verification for each benefit program as it relates to each person's circumstances. Process all applications and case actionsin accordance withfederal andstate requirements based on household income and size. Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs, as well as answer questionsregardingbenefits or available services to clients. Howyou'llgrowA career in public service can be demanding yet rewarding. Your customers come from diverse backgrounds and speak many languages. There is a lot to learn, and classroom training is a big part of the beginning.We'llbe with you every step of the way. We're looking for applicants who have the education and/or experience as listed below: Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination such as examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims (College education can substitute year-for-year for experience). One year of equivalent, out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs. Desired: Thrives in a standardized work setting. Is able tolearn andutilizevarious computer programs. Cancommunicate effectively with people in diverse ordifficult situations, includingcalming others, working with people who have communication challenges,assistingunderserved populations, and discussing confidential and unpleasant options, in person and over the phone. Can work with complex technical regulations and procedures and analyze complex situations. Refrainsfrom personal bias whendeterminingeligibility. Prioritizesand performsmultiple tasks in a busy office withnumerousinterruptions. 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. 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. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services