DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

DSHS ESA - Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 Economic Services Administration (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) is hiring multiple Public Benefits Specialist positions within our Statewide Customer Service Contact Center NW Geo Team. These opportunities involve working in person and over the phone and include training prior to joining the team. This full‑time career can be a gateway to a rewarding profession in public service. This position may be eligible for hybrid telework. In the beginning the incumbent will be in the office full time. After training is complete, and based on successful progression, the incumbent may be eligible for hybrid telework. Snohomish County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. Salary Progression in Training Steps Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,517.00 Step G – $5,111.00 Step L (6 months) Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,746.00 Step D – $5,506.00 Step L (6 months) Public Benefits Specialist 3: $5,240.00 Step E – $5,928.00 Step L As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will help people apply for public assistance through face‑to‑face interactions and over the phone. You will determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews, obtaining information from individuals and third parties, and processing applications received online. You will also handle all case actions using the appropriate computer programs. Some of what you will do Use internal software to process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, Child Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs. Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility. Gather and review data, applications, and verification for each benefit program as it relates to each person's circumstances. Process all applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements based on household income and size. Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs, and answer questions regarding benefits or available services to clients. We're looking for applicants who have the education and/or experience as listed below Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or staff support in financial eligibility determination such as examining or processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims. College education can substitute year‑for‑year for experience. One year of equivalent out‑of‑state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs. We would like to hire someone who Thrives in a standardized work setting. Is able to learn and utilize various computer programs. Can communicate effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, working with people who have communication challenges, assisting underserved populations, and discussing confidential and unpleasant options, in person and over the phone. Can work with complex technical regulations and procedures and analyze complex situations. Refrains from personal bias when determining eligibility. Prioritizes and performs multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions. Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today! Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez at saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #05778. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384. #J-18808-Ljbffr