What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 - Case Planning and Support Specialist position at State of Washington?
The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) has an exciting opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) – Case Planning and Support Specialist (CPSS) to join our team at the Renton Community Service Office. This position works full-time in the office, providing hands-on support and leadership to staff and clients alike.
As a Case Planning and Support Specialist, you’ll be the go-to expert for clients navigating challenging life circumstances and the public systems designed to support them. This is the perfect role for someone who can read between the lines, build trust quickly, and connect individuals to the right mix of services, at the right time. You’ll assess eligibility for multiple assistance programs, develop tailored case plans, and coordinate with partners across healthcare, housing, employment, and more. Every day is varied. Every decision matters. You’ll need excellent judgment, a strong grasp of policy, and the ability to manage complexity with care.
When you work for DSHS, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians. See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:
Note: King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.
Some of what you'll do:
- Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for public assistance, including cash, food, and medical programs.
- Facilitate program orientations and explain benefit pathways clearly and empathetically.
- Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans to address barriers and support employment goals.
- Refer clients to services such as domestic violence support, substance use treatment, mental health counselling, housing, and job training.
- Coordinate with external agencies and service providers to align support plans.
- Review and interpret complex documents—court orders, leases, medical notes—to determine appropriate program fit.
- Authorize and track supportive services such as transportation, childcare, or work clothing.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes and documentation in multiple systems (ACES, Barcode, eJAS, HPF, etc.).
- Respond to case audits, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Participate in outreach efforts, home visits, and client advocacy as needed.
What we're looking for:
- Eligibility expertise – You’ll need deep knowledge of Washington’s public assistance programs and the ability to assess and re-determine eligibility with accuracy.
- Policy fluency – Comfort navigating and applying WAC, RCW, and internal procedural manuals is essential to ensure services are legally sound.
- Case planning insight – Strong understanding of how to build service plans that are realistic, trauma-informed, and grounded in each client’s context.
- Analytical skills – You’ll be interpreting complex data and documentation to make fast, high-stakes decisions—precision matters.
- Communication – Clear, respectful, and empathetic communication is key—especially when explaining tough decisions or diffusing high-tension situations.
- Crisis navigation – This role regularly involves working with people in distress. You must stay calm, clear-headed, and grounded in your professional boundaries.
- Resilience and flexibility – Programs shift. Priorities change. You need to adapt quickly, manage multiple tasks, and keep performance high without burning out.
Who should apply?
A Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree;
AND
Twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
OR
A Bachelor’s degree or higher AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for long-term care services.
Equivalent education/experience: Experience examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information, will substitute year for year, for education and experience;
AND
Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs will be considered toward experience.
Interested? Apply today!
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own 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 vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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 saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference job number #08897.
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.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
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Salary : $4,746 - $6,384