DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

Posting number: 2026-06680

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: ESA

Job classification: PUBLIC BENEFITS SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Social Sciences, Community and Social Services

Summary

Public Benefits Specialist 1-3

Economic Services Administration Community Service Division has an exciting entry-level position as a Public Benefits Specialist, with training provided. This role involves working on-site at our Eastern WA Community Services Office located in Kennewick. When you work for us, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians. This full-time career can be a gateway to a rewarding profession in public service.

Those hired into the Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 training plan with ESA CSD can expect a minimum monthly salary of $4,517 (Range 43, Step G). This salary will increase as the employee successfully progresses in their training. Projected timelines and ranges for this progression are shown below.

Salary Progression in Training Steps:

• Public Benefits Specialist 1:$4,517.00 Step G – $5,111.00 Step L (6 months)
• Public Benefits Specialist 2:$4,746.00 Step F – $5,506.00 Step L (6 months)
• Public Benefits Specialist 3:$5,240.00 Step G – $5,928.00 Step L

We look forward to welcoming dedicated people who meet the minimum requirements listed below and are eager to make a difference. See why others like you have chosen a career with us:

As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will help people applying for public assistance services through face-to-face interactions and over the phone. You'll determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews, obtaining information from individuals and third parties. You will also process applications received online and process all case actions using the appropriate computer programs.

Some of what you will do:

• Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and on-going eligibility determinations for Financial, Child Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs.
• Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.
• Gather and review data, applications, and verification for each benefit program as it relates to each person's circumstances.
• Process all applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements based on household income and size.
• Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs, as well as answer questions  regarding benefits or available services to clients.

How you'll grow
A career in public service can be demanding yet rewarding. Your customers come from diverse backgrounds and speak many languages. There is a lot to learn when communicating with clients who are upset, vulnerable, or in crisis, and classroom training is a big part of this understanding. We'll be with you every step of the way.

We're looking for applicants who are comfortable working in a policy-driven environment where work is routinely audited, and feedback is used for growth and have the education and/or experience as listed below:

• Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination such as examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims

(College education can substitute year-for-year for experience).

Or

• One year of equivalent, out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs.

Desired skills:

• Able to move between different computer programs and tools without losing accuracy.
• Applies rules and procedures correctly, even when situations get complicated.
• Can make sense of federal, state, and agency rules to figure out the right next step.
• Breaks down detailed or confusing information and uses it to make solid decisions.
• Provides calm, respectful, and accurate help in person, over the phone, and in call-center settings.
• Communicates in a steady, supportive way with people in difficult or emotional situations.
• Understands and respects cultural, socioeconomic, and individual differences among clients.
• Handles several tasks at once in a busy of