DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 Economic Services Administration, Community Service Division has an exciting entry‑level position as a Public Benefits Specialist. The role is located on‑site at our Auburn Community Service Office (CSO) and offers a full‑time career that can be a gateway to a rewarding profession in public service. Description You will help people apply for public assistance services through face‑to‑face interactions and over the phone. You will determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews, obtaining information from individuals and third parties, processing applications received online, and using the appropriate computer programs to manage every case action. Salary Progression – Training Steps Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,428.00 Step G – $5,011.00 Step L (6 months) Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,653.00 Step F – $5,398.00 Step L (6 months) Public Benefits Specialist 3: $5,137.00 Step G – $5,812.00 Step L 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. Responsibilities Determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews and reviewing information from clients and third parties. Process applications received online and manage all case actions using the appropriate computer programs. Learn to process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, SNAP, and Medicaid assistance programs. Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility. Gather and review data, applications, and verification for each benefit program as it relates to each person's circumstances. Process all applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements based on household income and size. Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs, and answer questions regarding benefits or available services to clients. Qualifications We are looking for applicants who meet the following: Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determination (for example, examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims). College education can substitute year‑for‑year for experience. OR One year of equivalent out‑of‑state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance, including financial, medical and food benefit programs. Desired Attributes Thrives in a standardized work setting. Can learn and utilize various computer programs. Communicates effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, working with people who have communication challenges, assisting underserved populations, and discussing confidential and unpleasant options, in person and over the phone. Works with complex technical regulations and procedures and analyzes complex situations. Refrains from personal bias when determining eligibility. Prioritizes and performs multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions. How You’ll Grow A career in public service can be demanding yet rewarding. Your customers come from diverse backgrounds and speak many languages, and classroom training is a big part of the beginning. Application Materials An updated resume. Three professional references with contact information. Questions Email the recruiter at View email address on click.appcast.io and reference job number 04121. Equal Employment Opportunity The 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 or 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7‑1‑1 or View phone number on click.appcast.io. Supplemental 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 suitability. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license; those driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on that vehicle. Other Information E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. #J-18808-Ljbffr Washington State Department of Social and Health Services