State of Washington · 22 hours ago
DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4
Walla Walla, WA
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
1+ years expThe State of Washington's Economic Services Administration is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 to lead the WASHCAP Central Unit in Tumwater. This role involves providing technical resources, conducting audits, and ensuring accurate eligibility determinations for public benefits, ultimately supporting vulnerable residents in accessing necessary services.
AssociationCommunitiesEducationEmploymentEventsGovernmentInformation TechnologyNewsNon Profit
Responsibilities
Conduct audits and reviews of Public Benefits Specialist casework, including ongoing reviews for new and established staff
Identify error trends through audits and observations and recommend training or process improvements
Serve as a technical resource and job coach, providing guidance on policy, procedures, and complex eligibility issues
Perform advanced financial eligibility determinations, rule interpretation, and procedural development related to WASHCAP and other CSD programs
Resolve complex statewide cases, including discrepancies, corrections, and overpayments, with authority to access cases across offices
Verify and establish overpayments and complete referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery
Review cases for potential administrative hearing resolution and support appropriate corrective action
Assist individuals with Apple Health applications by entering information into the Health Plan Finder system
Monitor workflow and assignments using systems such as ACES, ACES Online, Barcode, 3G, CMS, and Health Plan Finder
Collaborate with CSD Headquarters, the Social Security Administration, and federal partners to support WASHCAP operations
Support and deliver training for new and existing staff, including on-the-job instruction
Investigate and resolve customer complaints and escalations related to case accuracy and service delivery
Participate in approved outreach and community-based activities that support access, partnerships, and cultural competence
Serve in a stand-in capacity during the supervisor’s absence, supporting daily operations and case consultation
Qualification
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
Satisfactory completion of the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program
Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance, including financial, medical and food benefit programs, will be considered toward experience
Eligibility program knowledge: Applying advanced understanding of financial, medical, and food assistance programs, including Washington Administrative Code and federal requirements, to support accurate eligibility decisions and statewide consistency
Case review and audit skills: Reviewing complex case actions, identifying errors or trends, and ensuring corrective action is taken to maintain program integrity and compliance
Technical guidance and coaching: Providing clear, timely policy interpretation, system navigation support, and job coaching to Public Benefits Specialists working through complex or unfamiliar scenarios
Analytical thinking: Evaluating written and verbal information, identifying patterns, and exercising sound judgment when resolving discrepancies, overpayments, or escalated cases
Written and verbal communication: Communicating clearly and professionally with staff, partners, and individuals, including explaining program requirements and documenting case actions accurately
Technical proficiency: Comfort using multiple software applications and systems and reviewing data to ensure accuracy while meeting performance expectations
Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.
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.
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.
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems.
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.
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month.
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave.
Company
State of Washington
Washington state public employees help to create a working Washington built on education and innovation, where all Washingtonians thrive.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Matt Manweller
State Representative
Company data provided by crunchbase