DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

DSHS ESA - Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 Location: Community Services Office – Pierce South, Tacoma. Full‑time, entry‑level position with training provided. Working in a community services office, you will help people applying for public assistance services through face‑to‑face interactions and over the phone. Salary Monthly salary ranges for the Public Benefits Specialist training plan: 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 Responsibilities Process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, Child Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs using internal software. 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 Four years in a customer service job with 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). OR one year of equivalent, out‑of‑state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs. Desired Attributes Thrives in a standardized work setting. Able to 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, both in person and over the phone. Can work with complex technical regulations and procedures and analyze complex situations. Refrains from personal bias when determining eligibility. Prioritizes and performs multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions. Career Growth Classroom training is a big part of the beginning. Support will be provided at every step of your career in public service. 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 and competence. 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. Equal Opportunity Statement 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. Background Verification 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