DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist

JOB
DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3The Economic Services Administration (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD), has an exciting opportunity for permanent Public Benefits Specialists to join our team within Grant county located in Moses Lake, WA. Come join us in our mission to Transform Lives! In this role, you will provide direct customer service on the phone and in person for all Customers. You'll determine eligibility and re-eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews and obtaining information from individuals and third parties. You will also process applications received through Washington Connections online applications, Document Management System, and process all case actions using the appropriate computer programs. Some of what you will do: Conduct intensive interviews to determine eligibility for financial, medical, and/or food assistance benefits in the office or by phone. Responsible for interviewing, reviewing documents, and assisting with financial processesExplain program requirements, application procedures, and services availableDetermine eligibility/re-eligibility for public assistance by collecting in-depth information from division information systemsDetermine eligibility for expedited servicesAdvise applicants of available services, program requirements, application procedures, and verification needsProcess applications received in the office, Washington Connection online applications, Document Management System, and through interactive interviewsUpdate all case actions into the appropriate computer program Process reported a change of circumstances to ensure that client benefits are continued in the correct amountConduct inquiries to screen requests for assistance by telephone, in person, fax, email, and online resourcesAssess emergent and special needs and make referrals to other programs and Community resourcesCompute and initiate overpayment accounts and client notifications when necessaryIssue supplemental financial and basic food benefits What we're looking for: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and in writing, with the ability to speak to diverse audiencesExperienced with complex technical regulations and procedures, and analyzing complex situationsAbility to use a personal computer and utilize various computer applicationsDemonstrated ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in the same timeframe, handle interruptions appropriately, and complete work within deadlinesAbility to interpret and analyze complex and contradictory dataMake independent conclusions and decisions when determining eligibility Properly use program rules to determine eligibilitySelf-motivated individuals who sets high standards of performance for themselves and othersAbility to provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers to meet the customers’ as well as the organization’s needsWho should apply?Professionals with a bachelor's degree. OR Experience examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or in a customer service job where the major duties involve public contact or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination will substitute, year for year, for education. OR One year of equivalent out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance including financial, medical, and food stamp programs. This is an In-Training opportunity for Public Benefits Specialists 1, 2, or 3. This opening can be filled as a Public Benefits Specialist 3 or be filled as an in-training to develop the required skills within this specialized field. Upon successful completion of the in-training plan, you will progressively advance to the goal of the Public Benefits Specialist 3. All levels of experience are encouraged to apply. For more information: Click here for Public Benefits Specialist 1 Click here for Public Benefits Specialist 2 Click here for Public Benefits Specialist 3 Note: Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation, 21-14 (Download PDF reader) state employees must be fully vaccinated. Your vaccine status will be verified. Please note that medical or religious accommodation may be available, once an offer of employment is made. Questions? Please contact matthew.freeman@dshs.wa.gov and reference #05023.

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