Job Description

Posting number: 2026-09339

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: ESA

Job classification: PUBLIC BENEFITS SPECIALIST 4

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Social Services, Community and Social Services, Payroll/Benefits Administration

Summary

DSHS ESA Community Services Division PBS4

The Yakima Community Services Office provides food, cash and medical benefits to people across the Yakima area. Many of the people we serve are facing difficult circumstances. They rely on accurate and timely benefit decisions to meet their basic needs.

The Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) serves as lead worker for a team of Public Benefits Specialists. In this position, you'll assigns work, audits cases and coach staff to build their skills. Audit results help identify error trends, guide training and improve office workflow. In the supervisor’s absence, the lead worker oversees the unit.

This position also handles complex cases, resolves client complaints and assists clients with Apple Health applications. Through expert program knowledge and consistent guidance, you'll ensure the team carries out DSHS's mission well; to partner with people to access support, care, and resources.

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:

Some of what you'll do:

• Assign, coordinate, and monitor the work of Public Benefits Specialist staff processing cash, food, and medical assistance benefits.
• Provide guidance on complex eligibility determinations, policy interpretation, and procedural implementation.
• Conduct audits and case reviews to ensure accuracy, identify error trends, and recommend corrective actions and training opportunities.
• Verify and establish overpayments and complete referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
• Coach, train, and support staff to promote professional development and program compliance.
• Review and improve procedures to maintain efficient workflows and consistent service delivery.
• Resolve customer concerns, assist with eligibility-related issues, and support administrative hearing preparation and case resolution.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Program knowledge: Applies extensive knowledge of food, cash and medical benefit rules and procedures to make sound, independent decisions.
• Leadership: Guides, coaches and leads staff with clear feedback and consistent support.
• Accuracy: Identifies and corrects errors in facts, calculations and case actions during audits.
• Analysis: Gathers information, evaluates patterns and determines appropriate actions for cases and team performance.
• Communication: Explains complex rules and policies clearly in person, by phone and in writing.
• Composure: Remains professional with clients in distress and works to resolve tense situations.
• Organization: Manages multiple cases and assignments, handles interruptions and meets established timelines.
• Technology: Uses state eligibility systems and Microsoft Office to review data and record accurate case actions.

Who should apply?

Those that have satisfactorily completed the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program OR similar out-of-state training/experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs.

AND either:

12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.

OR

A bachelor’s degree or higher AND 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long-term care services.

OR

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’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

Interested? Apply today!

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #09339.

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 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.

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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