DSHS HCLA Public Benefits Specialist 4

DSHS HCLA Public Benefits Specialist 4

Salary

$4,746.00 - $6,384.00 Monthly

Location

Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-05333

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
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

DSHS HCLA - Public Benefits Specialist

Home & Community Services plans, develops, and provides an array of long-term services and supports (LTSS) to persons age eighteen and older with disabilities, seniors, and caregivers. LTSS are intended to maximize independence, dignity and quality of life of these individuals.

This is the senior/specialist level of the Public Benefits Specialist series. The position independently provides intensive and expert eligibility services to high-risk clients, who are financially and medically dependent upon the full range of LTSS, while complying with all confidentiality requirements.

The position reviews applications and conducts interviews to determine initial eligibility and/or re-determine eligibility for LTSS. Processes changes in client circumstances, implements Federal and State regulations, and determines the effect on the continuing eligibility of clients. Incumbents have completed an extensive training program, which includes advanced level on-the-job instruction and classroom training.

Some of what youll do:

• Independently determines and re-determines ongoing eligibility for programs such as: HCB Waiver Services, hospice, alternate care service programs, nursing facility, institutional care, Medicaid Personal Care, and Community First Choice. Expedites eligibility in emergent situations, including but not limited to: expedited food assistance, facility closure, hospital discharges.
• Conducts intensive in-person and telephone interviews with the client, client representatives, attorneys, guardians, etc. to determine eligibility and post-eligibility for long-term services and supports, financial, medical, WASHCAP, and food assistance benefits. Determines accurate benefit eligibility by obtaining and calculating the clients income and resources using complex guidelines of federal and state sources. Determines the amount an individual must pay toward the cost long-term services.
• Recognize and recalculate incorrect payments of grants, food benefits, medical assistance, and long-term services and supports, and establishes overpayments and underpayments.
• Provides professional case management and evaluates services for a broad range of clients seeking long-term services and supports. Works closely with Home and Community Services social services and Area Agency on Aging case management staff to determine start dates for benefits based on determinations that a client meets functional requirements for certain cash and long-term services and support programs.
• Acts as a source of information for agency social workers (internal and external), medical providers, guardians, authorized representatives, and attorneys. Directs clients, representatives, and caregivers to the appropriate person or agency for inquiries or problems that fall outside the scope of expertise of a Public Benefits Specialist.. On behalf of clients, makes referrals to Social Security Administration, Veteran Affairs, and other agencies or community organizations as necessary.
• Inputs and receives data using multiple automated systems including: Barcode, ACES Online, ÁCES 3G, ACES Mainframe, Asset Verification System, CARE, ProviderOne, Support Enforcement Maintenance System, Electronic Benefit Transfer Program, TPX Retirement Systems, and Department of Health interface. Maintains confidentiality of automated client data.
• Analyzes written and oral information received. Obtains and reviews necessary data, documentation and verification for each program of assistance as it relates to the recipients specific circumstances.
• Reads and interprets Washington Administrative Code WAC, Revised Code of Washington (RCW), procedural manuals, policies, and policy clarifications.
• Analyzes various legal documents to determine impact on eligibility for long-term services and support programs such as: annuities, trusts, life care contracts, court orders, insurance policies, burial funds/trusts, deeds, business records, gifting instruments and sales contracts.
• Uses a statewide asset verification and real property database to analyze impacts of real property transfers, quit claims and sales and understand applicability to a clients eligibility.
• Acts on changes of circumstances and sends required notifications to the client, representative, case manager, and facility within time periods established by Washington Administrative Code. Assess effect of reported changes on continuing eligibility.
• Works within timeframes and deadlines which are dictated by program requirements and adheres to performance measures set by the agency.
• Provides testimony or acts as a witness for administrative hearings.

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• State and federal medical assistance programs, Home & Community based waivers, institutional program eligibility, Community First Choice, Medicaid Personal Care, Medicaid Alternative Care, Tailored Supports for Older Adults, Aged, Blind, Disabled cash assistance, Basic Food, and WASHC??.
• The philosophy of public assistance programs; State and Federal welfare laws, rules, and regulations principles, problems, and practices of public welfare administration; principles of individual and group behavior, social behavior, social and economic conditions, and their effects upon individuals; office procedures and practices.
• The internal functions and process of HCS social services, other Agency and community resources such as Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, Third Party Liability process, Area Agencies on Aging, Home Health Agencies, Hospice, Adult Protective Services, and Office of Fraud & Accountability, Community Services Division, Developmental Disabilities Division, and the Health Care Authority, to provide options and appropriate referrals for both recipients and parties who do not qualify for services but still-need assistance from other agencies.
• Office procedures and practices and ability to utilize basic office equipment (fax, phone, copier etc.)
• The administrative hearing rights of clients.
• Specific DSHS systems and databases, such as ACES, ACES On-Line, Barcode, DMS, DOL, Electronic Benefits Transfer, RCN, CARE, Audit 99 and the Financial QA tool, etc.

Who should apply?

We are searching for professionals who meet one of the following qualifications:

• A bachelors or masters degree AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.

OR

• A bachelors degree or higher AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for long-term care services.

OR

• Equivalent combination of experience totaling five or more years.
• Qualifying experience must include examining or processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, financial eligibility determination, or analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial information.

Note: The selected candidates must also complete 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.

Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!

Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume

• Cover Letter

• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Peter Bonato at peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #05333.

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

• I have a bachelors or masters degree and at least twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
• I have a bachelors degree or higher and at least twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for long-term care services.
• I have an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling five or more years.
• None of the above.

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