DSHS ALTSA HCS Public Benefits Specialist 4
 
Home and Community Services is currently seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4, Spokane, Washington. As an HCS PBS Specialist 4, you will provide intensive and expert eligibility services to staff who process application and manage caseloads of high-risk clients who are financially and medically dependent upon the full range of long-term services and support.
 
Home and Community Services is a division of the Aging & Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA), and promotes, plans, develops, and provides an array of long-term services and supports to people who have disabilities, are seniors, or have caregivers to maximize their independence, dignity, and quality of life. Join us in Transforming Lives!
 
 Some of what you will do:

• Determine initial and on-going eligibility for long-term services and supports, as well as medical, cash and food programs
• Accelerate eligibility in emergent situations such as expedited food assistance, facility closures and hospital discharges
• Provide professional case management and program evaluation for a broad range of individuals seeking long-term services and supports
• Conduct intensive telephone and in-person interviews with clients and their representatives
• Analyze and verify complex legal documents to determine how they impact long-term care eligibility
• Act as a source of information for Social Service Specialists and Area Agency on Aging Case Managers, internal and external social workers, medical providers, guardians, authorized representatives, and attorneys
• Provide information and assistance to the community regarding HCS programs and how to access them
• Direct clients, representatives and caregivers to the appropriate person or agency for inquiries or problems that fall outside the area of financial eligibility
• Input and receive data using multiple automated systems including: ACES Mainframe, ACES Online/3G, Barcode, Comprehensive Assessment and Reporting Evaluation (CARE) system, Department of Health interface, Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), Support Enforcement Maintenance System (SEMS), Asset Verification System (AVS) and TPX Retirement Systems
• Work within time frames and deadlines dictated by state and federal program requirements 
• Read and interpret the Washington Administrative Code and other procedural manuals
• Analyze written and oral information received from various sources for accuracy and authenticity
• Investigate complaints and answer inquiries from the community 
• Ensure equal access to programs using oral and written translation services
• Other duties as assigned

What we’re looking for:
 
What we’re looking for:

• Knowledge of department rules and requirements governing the administration of long-term care programs administered by HCS
• Prior HCS LTC experience
• Knowledge of math and spelling basics with the ability to apply mathematical principals
• Ability to travel to mandatory trainings and meetings
• Ability to apply advanced interviewing techniques
• Ability to learn and adapt to frequent policy and procedure changes

Who should apply?

• Professionals with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience: examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims; or in a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination; or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information. Experience will substitute year for year, for education.
• Out-of-State employment conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance to include financial, medical and food assistance programs will be considered toward experience.

 
Preferred skills, knowledge, and abilities: 

• 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 

 
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 peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference #05496.
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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