What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS HCLA HCS Public Benefits Specialist 5 position at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services?
Description
DSHS HCLA HCS – Public Benefits Specialist 5
Location : Statewide, WA
Join our team as a Public Benefits Specialist 5 within DSHS’s Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) in Washington State, where you will play a critical role in helping vulnerable adults access essential Long Term Services and Supports programs.
In this position, you will independently determine and maintain financial eligibility for complex Medicaid and long-term care programs while interpreting and applying state and federal regulations. Your work directly supports individuals who rely on medical, financial, and community-based services to maintain their health, safety, and quality of life, making a meaningful impact on clients, families, and the communities we serve.
Please note: This is a hybrid position. The candidate hired for this role will report to the Home and Community Services (HCS) office closest to their residence to provide in-office coverage as needed.
Some Of What You'll Do
Professionals who meet one of the following qualifications are encouraged to apply:
Along With Your Application, Please Include
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #04165.
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.
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.
DSHS HCLA HCS – Public Benefits Specialist 5
Location : Statewide, WA
Join our team as a Public Benefits Specialist 5 within DSHS’s Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) in Washington State, where you will play a critical role in helping vulnerable adults access essential Long Term Services and Supports programs.
In this position, you will independently determine and maintain financial eligibility for complex Medicaid and long-term care programs while interpreting and applying state and federal regulations. Your work directly supports individuals who rely on medical, financial, and community-based services to maintain their health, safety, and quality of life, making a meaningful impact on clients, families, and the communities we serve.
Please note: This is a hybrid position. The candidate hired for this role will report to the Home and Community Services (HCS) office closest to their residence to provide in-office coverage as needed.
Some Of What You'll Do
- Determine and maintain eligibility for Long Term Services and Supports programs, including Medicaid-funded and state-funded services, in accordance with Washington Administrative Code and agency policies.
- Conduct comprehensive interviews by phone, video, and in person to gather and verify financial, medical, and program eligibility information.
- Analyze complex financial, legal, and medical documentation including trusts, annuities, property records, insurance policies, and income/resources to determine eligibility.
- Manage ongoing caseloads by processing changes, maintaining accurate records, issuing timely notifications, and ensuring continued program compliance.
- Coordinate services and collaborate with Social Service Specialists, Area Agency on Aging Case Managers, medical providers, guardians, attorneys, and community partners to support client care and placement needs.
- Respond to emergent situations such as hospital discharges, facility closures, and expedited benefit requests to ensure timely access to services.
- Provide guidance and technical assistance regarding Long Term Services and Supports programs, policies, procedures, and community resources to clients, families, providers, and internal staff.
- Utilize multiple automated systems to process eligibility actions, maintain data integrity, and ensure confidentiality of client information.
- Identify client support needs, make appropriate referrals, address complaints or discrepancies, and coordinate accommodations and interpreter services to ensure equitable access to programs and services.
- Knowledge of Long Term Services and Supports programs, public assistance eligibility requirements, Medicaid policies, and applicable state and federal regulations.
- Ability to interpret, analyze, and apply complex laws, policies, financial information, and eligibility requirements to make accurate independent decisions.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively work with clients, families, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to manage a high-volume caseload, prioritize competing responsibilities, and adapt to changing policies and program requirements in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience using computerized systems and databases with the ability to quickly learn new technology and program-specific applications.
- Strong interviewing, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills with the ability to handle sensitive situations using professionalism, tact, and discretion.
- Ability to prepare clear written correspondence, maintain accurate documentation, and provide equitable, client-centered services including accommodations and interpreter coordination when needed.
Professionals who meet one of the following qualifications are encouraged to apply:
- One year of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3 or Public Benefits Specialist 4. OR
- A bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in one or more of the following:
- Examining or processing medical insurance, rehabilitation, or unemployment insurance claims
- Providing staff support in public assistance eligibility determination
- Analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.
- Three years of out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance programs, including financial, medical, and food benefits, may be considered qualifying experience.
- Related or closely related professional experience may substitute year for year for education.
- Work schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
Along With Your Application, Please Include
- An updated resume
- Three professional references with contact information
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #04165.
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.
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.