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Washington State Department of Social and Health Services · 10 hours ago

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

Tumwater, WA

Full-time

Hybrid

Entry, Mid Level

1+ years exp

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 to serve as a lead worker in the WASHCAP Central Unit. This role involves providing technical resource support, conducting audits, and resolving complex eligibility issues to ensure accurate and timely access to public benefits for individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

GovernmentHealth CareSocial Assistance

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

Financial eligibility knowledgeCase reviewAudit skillsTechnical guidanceCoachingAnalytical thinkingTechnical proficiencyWritten communicationVerbal communication

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

Preferred

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

Providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information

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