DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4-Case Planning and Support SpecialistThe Economic Services Administration's (ESA ) Community Service Division (CSD) has an exciting opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4). This position is a specialist level and independently provides intensive and expert eligibility services and professional case planning for a broad range of individuals seeking specialty program services through the Community Services Division. Scope of work includes:

• Conducts Orientation for Community Services division programs.
• Determines each client eligibility and appropriateness for public assistance programs, including but not limited to Diversion Cash Assistance and performs more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility.
• Screens and refers clients for more intensive services such as: Domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health, employment and training services etc.
• Develops, revises, monitors and updates case plans.
• Identifies, analyzes and discusses client circumstances and refers to community resources and contractors to remove barriers and to support employment.
• Assesses the need for and authorizes appropriate support services.
• 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.

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:

Some of what you will do:

• Independently determines and re-determines client eligibility for CSD-administered public assistance programs.
• Conducts intensive interviews with the client.
• Conducts orientations to specialty programs.
• Performs more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning1 and procedural development.
• Verifies and establishes overpayments and completes referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
• Performs more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development.
• Verifies and establishes overpayments and completes referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery.
• Provides professional case management, assesses needs and develops service plans and referrals to appropriate programs and services for a broad range of clients seeking BFET, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and other applicable public assistance programs.
• Monitors client progress and updates service plans, assists with removing barriers to participation and provides referrals for appropriate services.
• Works closely with employment, training and educational providers to coordinate case plans and services provided to CSD program participants.
• Inputs and receives data using multiple automated systems to perform eligibility and case planning/management work
• Maintains confidentiality of client data.
• Analyzes written and oral information received for impact on client eligibility and service plans, changes in policy or procedures, or other necessary action.
• Obtains and reviews necessary case documentation and verification to determine eligibility and appropriate service plan options.
• Reads and interprets Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Revised Code of Washington (RCW), procedural manuals, policies, and policy clarifications.
• Works within timeframes and deadlines, which are dictated by program requirements, and adheres to performance measures set by the agency.
• Contacts DSHS staff, partner agencies and the community as necessary for clarifying information.
• Answer all questions regarding benefits or available services. Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs.
• Processes all case actions in accordance with Federal and State processing and accuracy requirements.
• As assigned, participates in supervisor-approved, community-based activities for the purpose of engaging in outreach, furthering the mission of the Department, increasing knowledge and cultural competence, skills training and development, strengthening partnerships, and connecting with the tribes, other state agencies and community-based organizations with a common purpose of serving our shared communities.
• Ensures that limited English proficient (LEP) services from certified contracted translators are utilized when providing services to non-English speaking clients.
• Assist customers with the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of the clients.
• Participate in home or alternate site visits to evaluate situations and conduct assessments of vulnerable and disabled applicants, recipients and/or children when the client(s) is unable or unwilling to come into the CSO due to lack of understanding, non-compliance, or physical or mental disability.

What we're looking for:

• Exceptional understanding of eligibility, Community Services Division processes and appropriate computer programs (ACES, ACES Online, Barcode, e-Jas, ICMS, Washington Connections)
• Duties require extensive and specialized financial knowledge as well as ability to interpret public laws and policies and the ability to make independent decisions.
• Must possess extensive knowledge of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and procedural manuals needed to determine eligibility for all programs administered by CSD.
• Must possess excellent communication skills both oral and written and provide outstanding customer service by phone.
• Ability to maintain quality and productivity levels.
• Ability to assist others in interpretation and analysis of data.
• Proficiently utilize all computer programs in use by Community Service Division. Frequently review data found in
• the State's computer systems to make accurate decisions.
• Stay calm under pressure, and effectively manage the stress of the job.
• Seek clarification of rules, policies and procedures from supervisor, trainers and/or program managers when appropriate.
• Analyze written and oral information.

Who should apply? A Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree;AND 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 long-term care services. Equivalent education/experience: Experience examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information, will substitute year for year, for education and experience; AND Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program. Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs will be considered toward experience.

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.

Interested? Apply today!

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

Questions? Please contact [email protected] or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference job number #08757.

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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