Job Description

Posting number: 2026-05604

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: ESA

Job classification: PUBLIC BENEFITS SPECIALIST 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Health Services, Social Services, Child Support, Human Services, Medical Billing & Coding, Community and Social Services, Payroll/Benefits Administration

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4, Leadworker

Elevate your career in a lead role that truly makes a difference! The Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD), has an opportunity as a Public Benefit Specialist 4 (PBS4)to join our team in Seattle, WA. This position works full time in the Capitol Hill Community Services Office (CSO), providing hands-on support and leadership to staff and clients alike.

As a Leadworker, you’ll take on a critical role in guiding and supporting a team of Public Benefits Specialists who process cash, medical, and food benefits. You will be responsible for assigning work, conducting thorough audits, and ensuring that both new and experienced staff maintain high standards in service delivery. By identifying error trends and providing targeted coaching, you’ll help shape the development and efficiency of the team.

In addition to leading a team, you’ll perform complex tasks such as establishing financial eligibility, interpreting rules, and developing procedures. Your expertise will also be crucial in verifying overpayments, making referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery, and reviewing cases for accuracy. You'll engage with staff, agencies, and the community to clarify information and support clients throughout their application process.

If you are an experienced professional ready to lead, mentor, and ensure the quality of public assistance services, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact within the Community Services Division.

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:
 

Some of what you'll do:

Assign work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits
Perform more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development
Verify and establish overpayments and complete referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery
Audit and review the work of Public Benefits Specialist staff. Establish reports and recommendations to supervisor surrounding staff progress
Detect error trends through audits to identify training needs
Serve as a job coach for staff
Maintain and review procedures for efficient workflow
Review cases and independently analyze case actions for accuracy. Contacts staff, agencies and the community as necessary for clarifying information
Use basic understanding of the administrative hearing process to review cases and to help decide if a hearing request can be settled prior to submission
Assist customers with the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF} system on behalf of the clients
Investigate and resolves customer complaints

What we're looking for:

Possess extensive knowledge of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and procedural manuals needed to determine eligibility for all programs administered by CSD
Proficiently utilize all computer programs in use by the Community Service Division
Frequently review data found in the State’s computer systems to make accurate decisions
Interact with all DSHS staff and serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy and responsiveness
Independently plan and manage multiple financial cases or projects to be completed within specified timelines
Stay calm under pressure, and effectively manage the stress of the job.
Work effectively in a fast-paced environment, and be able to demonstrate flexibility in completing multiple assignments while meeting performance standards.

Who should apply?

Professionals with 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.

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.

5 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’s 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

AND

Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.

Additional information:

Work Schedule: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Monday through Friday.
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.

Interested?
Along with your application, please include:

An updated resume
Three professional references with contact information

Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez at saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #05604

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

About Clark County WA

With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and settlements. Framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the south and west, the area is a picturesque place to work, play and live.

Named for Captain William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition frame, our county is one of the fastest growing regions in Washington state and the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. Today, more than 440,000 people call Clark County home.

Clark County government is one of the county's largest employers, providing a wide range of challenging positions for about 1,570 people. You can learn about current job openings, the application process, job descriptions, pay schedule and employee benefits on the Clark County Human Resources website at https://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources.

The mission of Clark County government is to enhance the quality of life in our diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness and accountability.

Industry

Government & Public Safety

Company Size

501-1,000 employees

Headquarters

Vancouver, WA

Year Founded

1844

Website

wa.gov

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