DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3Economic Services Administration (ESA) Community Service Division has an exciting opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist to join our team in our Kennewick Community Services Office. When you work for DSHS's CSD, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians. This job can be a gateway to a rewarding career in public service.As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will help people applying for public assistance services through face-to-face interactions and over the phone. You'll determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews, obtaining information from individuals and third parties. You will also process applications received online and process all case actions using the appropriate computer programs.Some of what you will do:Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for Financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programsConduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibilityGather and review data, application and other documents, and verification for each benefit program as it relates to each person's circumstancesProcess all applications and case actions in accordance with Federal and State requirements based on household income and sizeExplain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs, as well as answer questions regarding benefits or available services to clientsHow you'll growA career in public service can be demanding yet rewarding. Your customers come from diverse backgrounds and speak many languages. There is a lot to learn, and classroom training is a big part of the beginning. We'll be with you every step of the way. We provide formal training both in the classroom and on the job to progressively advance within a 15-month period to a senior Public Benefits Specialist. Those hired will be appointed to the appropriate level based upon their experience and previous training. Advancement is based on completion of a formal training plan.We're looking for applicants who have the education and/or experience as listed below:Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination such as examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claimsORA bachelor’s degreeORA combination of years of the above experience and education totaling 4 yearsOROne year of equivalent, out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs.We would like to hire someone who:Thrives in a standardized work settingIs able to learn and utilize various computer programsIs 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 phoneCan work with complex technical regulations and procedures, and analyze complex situationsWill refrain from personal bias when determining eligibilityIs competent to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptionsSalary Ranges :Public Benefits Specialist 1 ($4.093 Step G – $4,632.00 Step L)Public Benefits Specialist 2 ($4,299.00 Step D – $5,241.00 Step L)Public Benefits Specialist 3 ($4,740.00 Step E – $5,643.00 Step L)Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!Please include a Letter of InterestThe 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 an 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 or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference job number 2025-00425 .#J-18808-Ljbffr