State of Washington
DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4
State of Washington, Walla Walla, Washington, United States
Public Benefits Specialist 4 – Case Planning and Support Specialist
Join the Economic Services Administration's Community Service Division (CSD) in the Moses Lake Community Service Office as a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) – Case Planning and Support Specialist (CPSS). In this role, you will serve as the primary expert helping clients navigate challenging life circumstances and the public systems designed to support them.
Responsibilities
Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for public assistance, including cash, food, and medical programs.
Facilitate program orientations and explain benefit pathways clearly and empathetically.
Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans to address barriers and support employment goals.
Refer clients to services such as domestic violence support, substance use treatment, mental health counselling, housing, and job training.
Coordinate with external agencies and service providers to align support plans.
Review and interpret complex documents—court orders, leases, medical notes—to determine appropriate program fit.
Authorize and track supportive services such as transportation, childcare, or work clothing.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes and documentation in multiple systems (ACES, Barcode, eJAS, HPF, etc.).
Respond to case audits, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
Participate in outreach efforts, home visits, and client advocacy as needed.
Qualifications
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, including at least one year of work experience in eligibility assessment or related financial services; examples of equivalent experience include assessing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities, examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or providing staff support in financial eligibility determination.
Successful completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
Experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance, including financial, medical, and food benefit programs (out‑of‑state experience is acceptable).
Questions? Please contact saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov or call the Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725‑5810 and reference job number 09229.
Background check may be conducted prior to a new hire. 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.
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.
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Responsibilities
Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for public assistance, including cash, food, and medical programs.
Facilitate program orientations and explain benefit pathways clearly and empathetically.
Design, monitor, and update personalized case plans to address barriers and support employment goals.
Refer clients to services such as domestic violence support, substance use treatment, mental health counselling, housing, and job training.
Coordinate with external agencies and service providers to align support plans.
Review and interpret complex documents—court orders, leases, medical notes—to determine appropriate program fit.
Authorize and track supportive services such as transportation, childcare, or work clothing.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes and documentation in multiple systems (ACES, Barcode, eJAS, HPF, etc.).
Respond to case audits, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
Participate in outreach efforts, home visits, and client advocacy as needed.
Qualifications
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, including at least one year of work experience in eligibility assessment or related financial services; examples of equivalent experience include assessing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities, examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or providing staff support in financial eligibility determination.
Successful completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
Experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance, including financial, medical, and food benefit programs (out‑of‑state experience is acceptable).
Questions? Please contact saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov or call the Talent Acquisition main line (360) 725‑5810 and reference job number 09229.
Background check may be conducted prior to a new hire. 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.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr