DSHS HCLA Public Benefits Specialist 4
Salary
$4,746.00 - $6,384.00 Monthly
Location
Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type
Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
2026-05665
Department
Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division
HCLA
Opening Date
07/13/2026
Closing Date
7/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
DSHS HCLA - Public Benefits Specialist 4
Make a meaningful impact by helping Washingtonians access the long-term services and supports they need to live with dignity and independence. This statewide opportunity as a Public Benefits Specialist 4 with the Home & Community Services (HCS) division of the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) allows you to independently determine financial eligibility for complex long-term services and support programs that serve older adults and individuals with disabilities.
In this position, youll conduct detailed eligibility interviews, interpret federal and state regulations, analyze financial information, and collaborate with clients, caregivers, providers, and community partners to ensure eligible individuals receive the services and benefits they depend on. This role also supports Washingtons 1115 Medicaid Transformation initiatives, including Medicaid Alternative Care (MAC) and Tailored Supports for Older Adults (TSOA) - innovative programs designed to delay institutional care by strengthening support for unpaid caregivers and older adults.
Please note: these are project positions with an expected end date of June 30th, 2028.
Some of what youll do:
Independently determine and maintain eligibility for complex long-term services and support programs, including Medicaid, Home and Community-Based Waiver Services, Community First Choice, nursing facility care, hospice, and other long-term care programs.
Conduct detailed interviews with clients, family members, guardians, attorneys, providers, and other representatives to evaluate financial and medical eligibility and determine client participation toward the cost of care.
Analyze income, resources, legal documents, trusts, property transfers, and other financial records while applying complex federal and state laws, regulations, and policies.
Process changes in client circumstances, resolve overpayments and underpayments, issue timely eligibility determinations, and ensure compliance with program requirements and established deadlines.
Serve as a subject matter expert by providing guidance to clients, caregivers, social workers, medical providers, community partners, and other stakeholders regarding long-term care eligibility and available resources.
Utilize multiple automated systems and databases to document case activity, verify information, maintain confidential records, and accurately process benefit determinations.
Coordinate with internal and external partners, including Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, Area Agencies on Aging, Adult Protective Services, and healthcare providers to support client access to services.
Protect client rights by ensuring equitable access to services, responding to audits and administrative hearings, making mandatory referrals when appropriate, and participating in ongoing training and professional development.
Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:
Advanced knowledge of federal and Washington State eligibility laws, regulations, and policies governing Medicaid, long-term services and supports, Basic Food, WASHCAP, and related public assistance programs.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to interpret complex financial information, legal documents, eligibility requirements, and policy guidance to make sound independent decisions.
Exceptional interviewing, communication, and customer service skills with the ability to effectively work with clients, families, attorneys, caregivers, interpreters, providers, and community partners.
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize competing workloads, meet strict deadlines, and manage a complex caseload.
Ability to navigate multiple computer systems and databases while maintaining accurate documentation and protecting confidential client information.
Professional judgment, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills, including the ability to de-escalate difficult situations and adapt to changing priorities.
Knowledge of community resources, partner agencies, and interdisciplinary collaboration to connect clients with appropriate programs, services, and supports.
Who should apply?
Applicants may meet the qualifications for this role in several ways:
A combination of five years in higher education and/or work experience in financial-based services, including at least one year of experience in areas such as:
Reviewing or processing loan applications.
Processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims.
Evaluating unemployment insurance claims.
Assisting staff with financial eligibility determinations.
Analyzing, verifying, or evaluating financial data.
OR
OR
Additional information:
Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!
Along with your application, please include:
An updated resume
A cover letter
Three professional references with contact information
Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #05665.
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 applicants 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 drivers 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.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Choose from the following that best describes your education and/or experience
02
Please describe your professional experience examining or processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, financial eligibility determinations, or analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information. In your response, please include which employers and duration you performed these duties.
Required Question
Employer State of Washington
Address View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website http://www.careers.wa.gov