Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07134

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: ESA

Job classification: PUBLIC BENEFITS SPECIALIST 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Community Services, Accounting and Finance, Health Services, Social Services, Child Support, Human Services, Economic Development, Medical Billing & Coding, Community and Social Services, Payroll/Benefits Administration, Financial Aid & Services

Summary

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4-Lead

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD) is looking for a permanent, full-time Public Benefits Specialist 4 to work at the Lakewood Community Services Office (CSO).

This position serves as a Lead worker by assisting the supervisor in the management of the PBS staff inside the Lakewood CSO. The lead worker provides, coaching, timely onsite assistance, and focus training. The lead worker ensures that current eligibility information and training be communicated with staff to ensure services are provided to the public timely and accurately. The lead worker often times serves as a lead worker office wide for WPS and SSS staff, though they assigned to a financial unit. In addition to the above duties, the lead worker also serves as the supervisor in the supervisor’s absence and monitors necessary leave, appropriation of staff throughout the day, and overall unit performance. This position also requires a high level of confidentiality and is an extension of management and their goals, vision, culture, and leadership.

Pierce County employees are eligible toreceive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:

Some of what you will do:

Assign, audit, and review work of financial staff, including analyzing case actions for accuracy, and determining any unit or office trends
Conduct trainings and act as a job coach
Establish reports and recommendations to supervisor on staff progress and any additional staff training needed
Perform complex duties in relation to financial eligibility and rule interpretation
Monitor lobby traffic, performance goals, and staff movement to supply ample coverage in all areas
Act as unit supervisor in absence of the supervisor, including attending meetings in the CSO, community, or around the state if necessary, which may require overnight travel
Be a liaison between staff, supervisors, and management and communicate any concerns with management
Supporting the Culture of Respect at all times while on the floor or communicating with staff from across the state
Develop effective working relationships with key community organizations
Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing with management, peers, direct staff, clients, and the public
Other duties as assigned

What we're looking for:

Subject Matter Expert in determining eligibility for state issues programs such as: Basic Food, TANF, AREN, DCA, CEAP, ABD/HEN, Medical, and Refugee Medical
Ability to assist others in interpretation and analysis of data, make independent decisions, assist in supervision of staff, and train staff
Ability to have effective feedback sessions with Supervisor and with staff when called upon
An acceptance of having work/audits discussed or challenged by management and staff
Proficiency in computer programs in use by the Community Service Division
Experience interviewing individuals regarding sensitive personal and financial matters
Willingness to actively participate in career development for all staff
Outstanding organizational, leadership and interpersonal skills.
Ability to inspire, support, motivate and lead others to achieve successful results.
Ability to change direction and focus on a moment’s notice without limited direction or supervision
Ability to work not only within your own unit but assist others in the office, as well as integrating into the existing lead team within the office

Who should apply?

Twelve 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 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.

Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical an food benefit programs will be considered toward experience.

NOTE: Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.

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 peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference job number #07134.

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.

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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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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