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Full Job Description
Description
Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 in Training
Economic Services Administration (ESA), and Community Services Division (CSD) are hiring a permanent Public Benefits Specialist to join our team in our Newport Community Service Office/Customer Service Contact Center located in Newport, WA. 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:
As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will help people applying for public assistance services through face-to-face interactions and over the phone. You’ll determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews and obtaining information from individuals and third parties. You will also process applications received online and process all case actions using the appropriate computer programs.
Some of what you’ll do:
Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and ongoing 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
Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs, as well as answer questions regarding benefits or available services to clients
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 on their experience and previous training. Advancement is based on the completion of this formal training plan.
We’re looking for applicants who have the education and/or experience listed below:
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
OR
A bachelor’s degree
OR
A combination of years of the above experience and education totaling 4 years
OR
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
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!
Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform Lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s mission that you bring equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Questions? Please contact [email protected] and reference #16963.
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.
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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