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Washington State Department of Social and Health Services · 2 hours ago

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

Moses Lake, WA

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

1+ years exp

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 to join their team in Moses Lake. The role involves providing expert support to clients in navigating public assistance programs, assessing eligibility, and developing tailored case plans to connect individuals with necessary services.

GovernmentHealth CareSocial Assistance

Responsibilities

Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for public assistance, including cash, food, and medical programs

Facilitate program orientations and explain benefit pathways clearly and empathetically

Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans to address barriers and support employment goals

Refer clients to services such as domestic violence support, substance use treatment, mental health counselling, housing, and job training

Coordinate with external agencies and service providers to align support plans

Review and interpret complex documents—court orders, leases, medical notes—to determine appropriate program fit

Authorize and track supportive services such as transportation, childcare, or work clothing

Maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes and documentation in multiple systems (ACES, Barcode, eJAS, HPF, etc.)

Respond to case audits, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations

Participate in outreach efforts, home visits, and client advocacy as needed

Qualification

Eligibility expertisePolicy fluencyCase planning insightAnalytical skillsCrisis navigationResilienceCommunicationFlexibility

Required

Twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3

A bachelor's degree or higher AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long-term care services

Five years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience may substitute for degree and PBS work experience requirements. Total must include at least one-year equivalent work experience. Examples of equivalent experience include but are not limited to: Providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities, Experience examining/processing loan applications, Medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, Unemployment insurance claims, or Providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information

Satisfactory completion of the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program

Eligibility expertise – You'll need deep knowledge of Washington's public assistance programs and the ability to assess and re-determine eligibility with accuracy

Policy fluency – Comfort navigating and applying WAC, RCW, and internal procedural manuals is essential to ensure services are legally sound

Case planning insight – Strong understanding of how to build service plans that are realistic, trauma-informed, and grounded in each client's context

Analytical skills – You'll be interpreting complex data and documentation to make fast, high-stakes decisions—precision matters

Communication – Clear, respectful, and empathetic communication is key—especially when explaining tough decisions or diffusing high-tension situations

Crisis navigation – This role regularly involves working with people in distress. You must stay calm, clear-headed, and grounded in your professional boundaries

Resilience and flexibility – Programs shift. Priorities change. You need to adapt quickly, manage multiple tasks, and keep performance high without burning out