Description

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 In Training

Economic Services Administration (ESA) Community Service Division has an exciting opportunity for Public Benefits Specialists to join our team in our Mount Vernon Community Service Office. When you work for DSHS' CSD, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians. This job can be a gateway to a rewarding career in public service. See why others like you have chosen a career with DSHS:

• Conduct intensive interviews to determine or re-determine eligibility for basic food, cash, and medical benefits
• Obtain and review necessary data, documents, and verification for each program
• Conduct face to face intensive interviews to determine or re-determine eligibility for basic food, cash, and medical benefits
• Analyze written and oral information to assist in eligibility determination
• Determine accurate benefit amounts by determining household income and household size by utilizing federal and state policies, Washington Administrative Code (WAC), procedure manuals, and laws
• Authorize necessary benefits
• Refer clients to mandatory and optional services within and outside of DSHS. Assist in finding alternatives to public assistance and refer as appropriate
• Explain program requirements and services available to clients
• Process appropriate changes in client cases, properly assessing the affected time period, and taking necessary case actions
• Establish over/underpayments when errors occur whether client or agency caused
• Successfully complete required training and actively participate in training
• Attend unit meetings, all staff meetings, and CSO functions
• Regularly meet with your Supervisor to receive feedback from training, in-office work, as well as providing feedback for your Supervisor
• Complete any additional assigned projects and assignments

How you'll grow
A career in public service can be demanding yet rewarding. Your customers come from diverse backgrounds and speak many languages. There is a lot to learn, and classroom training is a big part of the beginning. We'll be with you every step of the way.

We provide formal training both in the classroom and on the job to progressively advance within a 15-month period to a Public Benefits Specialist 3. Those hired will be appointed to the appropriate level based upon their experience and previous training. Advancement is based on completion of this formal training plan.

We're looking for applicants who have the education and/or experience as listed below:

• Enthusiastic people with a bachelor's degree ready to exert their best efforts to learn and enhance skills to become a Public Benefits Specialist
• Or, work experience substituting year for year for the degree: examining/processing loan applications, 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
• Or, one year of equivalent out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance that includes financial, medical and food stamp programs

We would like to hire someone who:

• Thrives in a standardized work setting
• Is able to learn and utilize various computer programs
• Is able to 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
• Will refrain from personal bias when determining eligibility
• Is competent to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions

Salary Ranges:
Public Benefits Specialist 1 ($3,734.00 Step G – $4,216.00 Step L)
Public Benefits Specialist 2 ($3,915.00 Step D – $4,777.00 Step L)
Public Benefits Specialist 3 ($3,915.00 Step A – $5,136.00 Step L)

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!

Be the change you want to see – join our team!

We recognize that the diversity of those we serve and work with is part of our collective strength. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ people with different strengths and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, older adults, veterans, and people of all genders including transgender and non-binary individuals.

Note: Employees of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Any offer of employment is contingent upon verification of your vaccine status. Please note medical or religious accommodation may be available once an offer of employment is made.

Questions about this opportunity? Please contact adrian.alegria@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 03807.

Supplemental Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

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/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.

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