Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 In-Training (PBS1-3) - Yakima

Salary: $4,428.00 - $71,472.00 Annually
Location : Yakima County - Multiple Locations, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-04777
Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division: Early Learning Division
Opening Date: 06/09/2026
Closing Date: 6/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step


Description
Our 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 announcement will be used to generate a candidate pool to fill multiple vacancies as they occur within Yakima specifically. If you previously applied, there is no need to reapply; your application status remains unchanged.
Job Title: Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 In-Training (PBS1-3)
Location: Hybrid - 1002 N 16th Ave., Yakima, WA 98901
Hybrid 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: Tuesday, June 17th, 2026

Salary:

• Public Benefits Specialist 1 (PBS1): $46,080 - $61.644 annually
• Public Benefits Specialist 2 (PBS2): $49,428 - $66,372 annually
• Public Benefits Specialist 3 (PBS3): $53,136 - $71,472 annually

The salaries listed do not include the 2% general wage increase effective July 1, 2026.
Do you enjoy helping people navigate complex systems and connecting families with resources that support their success? Are you passionate about customer service and making a meaningful impact in your 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 critical point of contact for families across Washington State who are applying for or receiving Child Care Subsidy benefits. Working within the Child Care Subsidy Contact Center, you will help families access affordable childcare services that support employment, education, and long-term stability. Your work directly contributes to 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 creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We value the unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of our employees and strive to foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Click here to learn more about


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:
2 (PBS2), and Public Benefits Specialist 3 (PBS3) levels. Candidates may be considered for any level for which they qualify. Placement into a level is based on the qualifications and experience demonstrated in the application materials and supplemental responses.
Candidates hired at the PBS1 or PBS2 level will participate in an in-training plan designed to support progression to the Public Benefits Specialist 3 level. The primary difference between the levels is the amount and type of qualifying experience.

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.
OR
A 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.
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.
OR
One (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.
Public Benefits Specialist 3 (PBS3) Qualifications:

Nine (9) months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2.
OR
Fifteen (15) months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 1 and satisfactory completion of the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program
OR
Equivalent 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.
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:

• Resume
• Cover Letter (describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position)
• Professional references (three)

Supplemental Information:

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, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org. Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S.
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information:


Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what's listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement. For more information on employee benefits eligibility, visit :
If you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact . If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email . Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22, or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, the individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veterans' Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, .

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.

2026-04777
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.


Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01


Which of the following best describes how you meet the qualifications for this position?

• I qualify at the PBS1 level through one (1) year of experience conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance programs.
• I qualify at the PBS1 level through a bachelor's degree and qualifying experience processing insurance claims, unemployment claims, financial eligibility determinations, or providing customer service involving significant public contact.
• I qualify at the PBS2 level through one (1) year of financial eligibility determination experience and completion of a Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
• I qualify at the PBS2 level through six (6) months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 1 and completion of a Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
• I qualify at the PBS3 level through eighteen (18) months of experience determining eligibility for public benefit programs.
• I qualify at the PBS3 level through fifteen (15) months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 1 and satisfactory completion of a Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
• I qualify at the PBS3 level through nine (9) months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2.
• None of the above.

02


Based on your response to the previous question, briefly describe how you meet the qualification option you selected. Include the employer(s), position title(s), and relevant experience or education.If you selected "None of the above," enter "N/A."
03


Which of the following best describes your experience working in a call center environment?

• No experience
• Limited experience (less than 1 year)
• Working knowledge (1-2 years)
• Intermediate experience (2-4 years)
• Advanced experience (4+ years)
• Expert-level experience (5+ years and regularly serving as a resource, trainer, or lead)

04


Which of the following best describes your experience meeting performance metrics or productivity standards in a customer service environment?

• No experience
• Limited experience (less than 1 year)
• Working knowledge (1-2 years)
• Intermediate experience (2-4 years)
• Advanced experience (4+ years)
• Expert-level experience (5+ years and regularly coaching, monitoring, or supporting others in meeting performance metrics)

05


Please describe your experience working in a call center and/or customer service environment. Include the type of customers you served, the services you provided, and any experience meeting performance expectations such as call volume, quality standards, timeliness, customer satisfaction, productivity goals, or other performance metrics.If you selected "No experience" above, enter "N/A".
06


Which of the following best describes your experience determining eligibility for public programs?

• No experience
• Limited experience (less than 1 year)
• Working knowledge (1-2 years)
• Intermediate experience (2-4 years)
• Advanced experience (4+ years)
• Expert-level experience (5+ years and regularly serving as a resource, trainer, or lead)

07


Which of the following best describes your experience reviewing and analyzing information to determine eligibility, benefits, or services based on established laws, policies, procedures, or guidelines?

• No experience
• Limited experience (less than 1 year)
• Working knowledge (1-2 years)
• Intermediate experience (2-4 years)
• Advanced experience (4+ years)
• Expert-level experience (5+ years and regularly serving as a resource, trainer, or lead)

08


Please describe your experience determining eligibility for programs, benefits, or services and/or reviewing information to make decisions based on laws, regulations, policies, or established guidelines. Include the types of programs, services, or benefits involved. If you do not have this experience, enter "N/A".
09


I understand that, if selected to move forward in the recruitment process, I will be required to complete an in-person math assessment.

• Yes
• No

10


*If claiming veteran's preference in obtaining state employment, have you attached a redacted DD214, NGB22 or other signed document validating service type and discharge?

• Yes
• No
• Does not apply

11


How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?

• Washington State's career website:
• Washington State Work Source office or website (Go2WorkSource.com)
• Washington State employee
• DCYF Recruiter
• College/university career fair or website
• Diversity network meeting/event
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• ZipRecruiter
• Handshake
• Other

Required Question