DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

The State of Washington's Economic Services Administration is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 to assist individuals applying for public assistance services. The role involves determining eligibility for various programs through interviews and processing applications, with training provided for successful candidates.

Responsibilities

• Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and on-going eligibility determinations for Financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility
• Gather and review data, application and other documents, 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, as well as answer questions regarding benefits or available services to clients

Skills

• Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination such as examining/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
• 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
• Will refrain from personal bias when determining eligibility
• Is competent to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions

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.

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