Description

Some of what you'll do:

• Conducts Workfirst Orientation for Community Services division programs
• Determines client eligibility and appropriateness for public assistance programs
• Screens and refers clients for more intensive services such as: Domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health, employment and training services
• Develops and updates case plans
• Identifies, analyzes and discusses client circumstances and refers to community resources and contractors to remove barriers and to support employment
• Assesses the need for and authorizes appropriate support services
• Analyzes and verifies complex documents and to determine appropriate programs and service options available to clients
• Other duties as assigned

• Exceptional understanding of eligibility, Community Services Division processes and appropriate computer programs (ACES, ACES Online, Barcode, e-Jas, ICMS, Washington Connections)

• Duties require extensive and specialized financial knowledge as well as ability to interpret public laws and policies and the ability to make independent decisions
• Must possess extensive knowledge of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and procedural manuals needed to determine eligibility for all programs administered by CSD
• Must possess excellent communication skills both oral and written and provide outstanding customer service by phone

Twelve months of experience as a Public Benefit Specialist 3.
OR
A Bachelor’s degree or higher AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefit Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long-term care services.
OR
5 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. Examples of equivalent experience include but are not limited to:

• 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, or

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

And

• 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 experience.

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.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.