Benefits Specialist

Public Benefits Specialist 1–3 In-TrainingOur vision is to ensure that "All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community". Attention: This recruitment has been reposted for additional applicants. If you have already applied, no need to reapply; your application status remains unchanged.Job Title: Public Benefits Specialist 1–3 In-TrainingLocation: Hybrid – 1002 N 16th Ave., Yakima, WA 98901Hybrid Work Schedule: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule; however, regular in-office attendance is required to meet business needs. Employees should anticipate working in the office approximately 2–3 days per week until they have demonstrated full independence and proficiency in performing the duties of the position.Closes: Thursday, July 9th, 2026Salary:Public Benefits Specialist 1 (PBS1): (G) $4,517 - $5,111 monthlyPublic Benefits Specialist 2 (PBS2): (F) $4,746 - $5,506 monthlyPublic Benefits Specialist 3 (PBS3): (E) $4,980 - $5,928 monthlyDo you enjoy helping people navigate complex systems and connecting families with resources that support their success? Are you passionate about providing exceptional customer service and making a meaningful impact in the Yakima community? If so, we encourage you to apply for the Public Benefits Specialist 1–3 In-Training position with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).In this role, you will serve as a trusted resource for families applying for or receiving Child Care Subsidy benefits. Working within DCYF's Child Care Subsidy Contact Center in Yakima, you will help families access affordable childcare services that support employment, education, and long-term stability. Every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive difference by connecting families with critical resources while delivering compassionate, knowledgeable, and equitable customer service. Your work directly supports DCYF's mission to partner with children, youth, and families to strengthen opportunities, connections, and communities while promoting safety, stability, and positive outcomes.DCYF is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We value the unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of our employees and foster an inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed, respected, and empowered to thrive.The Opportunity: As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will provide direct customer service in a fast-paced call center environment, assisting families seeking childcare assistance through Washington State's Child Care Subsidy Program. You will independently conduct interviews, gather and evaluate information from applicants and third-party sources, review documentation, and determine initial and ongoing eligibility for benefits in accordance with state and federal laws, regulations, and policies.This position requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to make independent decisions while navigating complex eligibility requirements. You will use specialized financial knowledge to assess household circumstances, explain program requirements, and provide accurate information to families in a professional, respectful, and compassionate manner.Successful candidates will be comfortable working in a structured, customer-focused environment, managing a high volume of telephone interactions, and balancing attention to detail with a commitment to excellent customer service. Through your work, you will help ensure children have access to quality early learning opportunities while supporting families in achieving greater stability and self-sufficiency.Some of what you will do:Conduct intensive interviews with customers to determine eligibility for services, or continued eligibility for services when notifying the program of changes of circumstances for Child Care benefits.Process Child Care applications received from the Washington Connection online applications, in the Document Management System (DMS), and through interactive interviews.Analyze collected oral and written information to determine accurate benefits and continued program eligibility.Finalize Child Care applications and reapplications with information received and verified for accurate determination of eligibility.Refer clients to both mandatory and optional services, including to other agencies as required.Take actions necessary to ensure that limited English proficient clients receive properly translated forms and translation services from state certified, contracted translators and interpreters.Authorize Working Connections Child Care Subsidy payment to approved Licensed facility and Family Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Subsidy Providers through the Social Services Payment System (SSPS).Compute and initiate overpayments and client notifications when necessary.Issue reimbursements and benefits when appropriate to correct under issuances.Assist Child Care Providers with subsidy payment information and other requirements to receive subsidy.Required qualifications:The goal class of this position is a Public Benefits Specialist 3 (PBS3). We will also consider candidates at the PBS1 & PBS2 levels, with a training plan to advance to the goal class. The Hiring Manager will evaluate the education and experience of each candidate for one of the levels mentioned below.Please review the qualifications for each level below and ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet at least one of the listed qualification options.Public Benefits Specialist 1 (PBS1) Qualifications:One (1) year of experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs.ORA bachelor's degree AND Experience examining/processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or in a customer service job where the major duties involve public contact, or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination will substitute, year for year, for education.ANDThe ability to take action to learn and grow.The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.Public Benefits Specialist 2 (PBS2) Qualifications:Six (6) months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 1, and completion of the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.OROne (1) year of experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs and completing the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.ANDThe ability to take action to learn and grow.The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.Public Benefits Specialist 3 (PBS3) Qualifications:Nine (9) months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2.ORFifteen (15) months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 1 and satisfactory completion of the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.OREquivalent combination of education and/or experience determining eligibility for financial, medical, food, long-term services and support programs, childcare and equal access benefits totaling eighteen (18) months.ANDThe ability to take action to learn and grow.The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.Additional Screening Requirement: Candidates selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be required to complete an in-person math assessment as part of the initial screening process. Candidates who advance will receive approximately one week's notice regarding the assessment date, time, and location.In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:Demonstrated experience working in a high-volume customer service environment.One (1) year of experience working in a call center environment.Prior experience determining eligibility for public programs.How do I apply? In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:ResumeCover Letter (describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position)Professional references (three)The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color,