What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 position at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services?
Description
Public Benefits Specialist 4 - Lead Worker
The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 to serve as a lead worker at the Clarkston Community Services Office . This role is ideal for someone who brings confidence, technical fluency, and a steady presence to their work. You’ll support colleagues, strengthen service delivery, and help ensure Washington families receive timely and accurate benefits.
This position offers a meaningful blend of program expertise, case analysis, coaching, and quality review. You’ll contribute to a work environment grounded in consistency, fairness, and care; where your knowledge helps others succeed and directly improves the experience of the people we serve.
Your work shapes how services are provided each day, through clear guidance, thoughtful decision-making, and a commitment to accuracy and accessibility. This is a professional path where your skills make a real difference to DSHS's mission to partner with people to access support, care, and resources.
See Why People Like You Choose Careers With DSHS
Some of what you will do:
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 public assistance or long-term care services.
OR
Requirements
Five 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:
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 toward experience.
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 DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 02804.
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
Public Benefits Specialist 4 - Lead Worker
The Economic Services Administration's (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 to serve as a lead worker at the Clarkston Community Services Office . This role is ideal for someone who brings confidence, technical fluency, and a steady presence to their work. You’ll support colleagues, strengthen service delivery, and help ensure Washington families receive timely and accurate benefits.
This position offers a meaningful blend of program expertise, case analysis, coaching, and quality review. You’ll contribute to a work environment grounded in consistency, fairness, and care; where your knowledge helps others succeed and directly improves the experience of the people we serve.
Your work shapes how services are provided each day, through clear guidance, thoughtful decision-making, and a commitment to accuracy and accessibility. This is a professional path where your skills make a real difference to DSHS's mission to partner with people to access support, care, and resources.
See Why People Like You Choose Careers With DSHS
Some of what you will do:
- Assign work to Public Benefits Specialists and support the office’s daily workflow to ensure timely processing of cash, medical, and food benefits.
- Conduct audits and case reviews, identify error trends, and recommend training or process adjustments.
- Provide real-time coaching, policy interpretation, and technical guidance to staff at all experience levels.
- Assist with complex eligibility determinations, including resolving case discrepancies, overpayments, and benefit corrections.
- Investigate and resolve customer complaints, escalations, and case errors by analyzing information and collaborating with internal and external partners.
- Conduct interviews, determine eligibility for services, and handle complex financial, medical, and food assistance cases with precision.
- Support staff in using our software applications, such as; ACES, ACES Online, Barcode, e-JAS, ICMS, Washington Health Plan Finder, and Washington Connections.
- Serve in a stand-in capacity when the supervisor is away, participating in discussions, offering case consultation, and supporting daily operations.
- Participate in outreach, cultural competency efforts, and community-based activities that strengthen service access and awareness.
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 public assistance or long-term care services.
OR
Requirements
Five 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.
- Providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.
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 toward experience.
- Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.
- Eligibility expertise: Thorough understanding of financial, medical, and food assistance programs, including the ability to interpret Washington Administrative Code and procedural guidance.
- Coaching and support: Ability to guide others through casework, policy application, and system navigation in a constructive, approachable way.
- Analytical thinking: Skill in reviewing complex information, conducting case audits, identifying errors, and recommending accurate corrective actions.
- Clear communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for working with colleagues, clients, and community partners, including those with limited English proficiency.
- Conflict resolution: Ability to de-escalate tense interactions and support fair, client-centered resolutions.
- Technical proficiency: Comfort using multiple software applications and systems and reviewing data to ensure accuracy while meeting performance expectations.
- Adaptability and steadiness: Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, prioritize shifting needs, and maintain composure under pressure.
- Commitment to service: A professional approach grounded in respect, courtesy, responsiveness, and alignment with the department’s mission and values.
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 DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 02804.
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