Job Description
Description
Public Benefits Specialist 4 - Lead Worker
The Economic Services Administration (ESA) is hiring a Public Benefits Specialist 4 Lead Worker in Lakewood, WA. In this role, you’ll mentor colleagues, guide clients through complex benefits, and ensure Washington families get the support they need when they need it. Join us and make a difference every day.
This is a leadership-through-service role for someone who stays calm under pressure, thinks critically, and cares deeply about our mission. You’ll help cultivate a culture of quality and consistency, where your technical skills, good judgment, and commitment to equitable service help lift the people we serve and the colleagues you support.
See why people like you choose careers at DSHS:
Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
Some of what you'll do:
Provide technical guidance, real-time coaching, and policy interpretation to Public Benefits Specialists working with financial, food, and medical assistance programs
Conduct audits of casework to identify error trends, recommend trainings to support staff development and corrective actions if needed
Investigate and resolve complaints, client escalations, and errors in benefit determination
Assist with complex eligibility determinations, overpayments, and case reviews requiring higher-level analysis
Act in a lead capacity, assigning work and supporting the supervisor with workload coordination and performance monitoring
Support staff in navigating and using technology systems such as ACES, Barcode, Health Plan Finder, and ICMS accurately and efficiently
Participate in training new employees and developing resources to improve consistency and quality across the team
Serve as acting supervisor in their absence, including attending leadership meetings and making operational decisions
Represent the division’s goals of equity, quality, and accessibility in daily decision-making and team guidance
Contribute to community outreach and cultural competency initiatives as needed
Who Should Apply?
Professionals with:
Twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
Or
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.
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 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, including financial, medical and food benefit programs, will be considered toward experience. Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.
Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:
Strong working knowledge of public assistance programs, including eligibility and service delivery processes.
Excellent leadership and team development skills.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply complex regulations and legal guidelines.
Expertise in conflict resolution and experience in handling escalated cases.
Demonstrated proficiency in collaborative work with community partners, stakeholders, and other government entities.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
Questions? Email the recruiter at [email protected] and reference job number 08210.
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, ****** 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 1-80XXXXXX.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Public Benefits Specialist 4 - Lead Worker
The Economic Services Administration (ESA) is hiring a Public Benefits Specialist 4 Lead Worker in Lakewood, WA. In this role, you’ll mentor colleagues, guide clients through complex benefits, and ensure Washington families get the support they need when they need it. Join us and make a difference every day.
This is a leadership-through-service role for someone who stays calm under pressure, thinks critically, and cares deeply about our mission. You’ll help cultivate a culture of quality and consistency, where your technical skills, good judgment, and commitment to equitable service help lift the people we serve and the colleagues you support.
See why people like you choose careers at DSHS:
Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
Some of what you'll do:
Provide technical guidance, real-time coaching, and policy interpretation to Public Benefits Specialists working with financial, food, and medical assistance programs
Conduct audits of casework to identify error trends, recommend trainings to support staff development and corrective actions if needed
Investigate and resolve complaints, client escalations, and errors in benefit determination
Assist with complex eligibility determinations, overpayments, and case reviews requiring higher-level analysis
Act in a lead capacity, assigning work and supporting the supervisor with workload coordination and performance monitoring
Support staff in navigating and using technology systems such as ACES, Barcode, Health Plan Finder, and ICMS accurately and efficiently
Participate in training new employees and developing resources to improve consistency and quality across the team
Serve as acting supervisor in their absence, including attending leadership meetings and making operational decisions
Represent the division’s goals of equity, quality, and accessibility in daily decision-making and team guidance
Contribute to community outreach and cultural competency initiatives as needed
Who Should Apply?
Professionals with:
Twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
Or
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.
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 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, including financial, medical and food benefit programs, will be considered toward experience. Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.
Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:
Strong working knowledge of public assistance programs, including eligibility and service delivery processes.
Excellent leadership and team development skills.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply complex regulations and legal guidelines.
Expertise in conflict resolution and experience in handling escalated cases.
Demonstrated proficiency in collaborative work with community partners, stakeholders, and other government entities.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
Questions? Email the recruiter at [email protected] and reference job number 08210.
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, ****** 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 1-80XXXXXX.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4 position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Lynnwood offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
