Dshs ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

Case Planning and Support Specialist - Dual Language/Spanish

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Economic Services Administration (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD) is looking to add a PBS4, with a working title of Case Planning and Support Specialist, at White Center in Seattle, WA. Join us on our mission of Transforming Lives!

This position will independently provide dual language, Spanish and English, intensive and expert eligibility services and professional case planning for a broad range of individuals seeking specialty program services through the Community Services Division.

King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

In addition to the base salary, the selected incumbent will receive 5% assignment pay for bilingual duties. 

Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct Orientation for Community Services division programs

• Determine if clients meet eligibility requirements for public assistance programs, including but not limited to Diversion Cash Assistance and performs more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility

• Identifies, analyzes and discusses client circumstances and refers to community resources and contractors to remove barriers and to support employment

• Develops, revises, monitors and updates case plans

• Analyzes and verifies complex legal documents and other forms of documentation to determine appropriate programs and service options available to clients. This position is expected to possess a high level of proficiency in CSD-administered public assistance programs

• Verifies and establishes overpayments and completes referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery

• Investigate and resolve customer complaints

• Analyze oral and written information

• Educate stakeholders on public benefit programs and eligibility requirements

• Ensures that limited English proficient (LEP) services from certified contracted translators are utilized when providing services to non-English, Spanish speaking customers

What we're looking for:

• Have excellent knowledge of Cash, Food and Medical Programs, Community Services Division processes, and confidence in navigating ACES, ACES Online, Barcode, e-Jas, ICMS, Washington Connections, and other related state programs as needed

• Excellent knowledge of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and procedural manuals needed to determine eligibility for all programs administered by CSD

• Capacity to make independent decisions based on the knowledge and correct interpretation of public laws and policies

• Flexibility to prioritize and perform multiple tasks with interruption

• Demonstrate leadership skills with the ability to adapt to each person's learning and communication styles

• Work cohesively within an established team

• Keen on promoting a positive work environment that supports collaboration, transparency, trust, honesty, respect, and accountability

Who should apply?

Professionals with 12 months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3

OR

Professionals with a Bachelor's degree or higher AND 12 months experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for long-term care services

OR

Professionals with 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 staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information

• Experience examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims

• Providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities

AND

Satisfactory completion of the agency's Public Benefits specialist Training Program

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

Must obtain certification (if not already obtained) from the Language and Certification Unit indicating that the person holding the position is a certified interpreter or translator.

Interested?  Submit your application, ensuring to include three professional references, and attach a resume.

Questions? If you have any questions, you are encouraged to contact DSHS recruiter Georgina Pringle by email Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference 04773.

Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform 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 mission 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.

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.

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