Public Benefits Specialist 3 - Call Center

State of Washington

Tumwater, WA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$4,299–$5,783
SKILLS
Aged Care, Analysis Skills, Background Investigation, Call Centers, Childcare, Collective Bargaining, Communication Skills, Community and Social Services, Compensation and Benefits, Customer Relations, Customer Support/Service, Detail Oriented, Diversity, Documentation, Documentation Review, Employee Benefits, English Language, Flexible Spending Accounts, Government, Health Maintenance, Healthcare, Human Resources, Income Tax, Leadership, Multitasking, Nonprofit, Regulations, Research Skills, Social Work, Student Loans, Tax Credits, Technical Leadership, Translation Services, Use Tax, Willing to Travel, Work From Home
LOCATION
Tumwater, WA
POSTED
12 days ago

Public Benefits Specialist 3 - Call Center

Salary

$4,299.00 - $5,783.00 Monthly

Location

Thurston County - Tumwater, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-120

Department

Dept. of Revenue

Division

Working Families Tax Credit

Opening Date

07/06/2026

Closing Date

7/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Description

Are you interested in assisting working families in Washington State? If so, this opportunity may be what you're looking for!

The Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) has exciting opportunities that only come along once in a great while. We are hiring multiple Public Benefits Specialist 3 positions for our call center in Tumwater, Washington. This position will serve as the first point of contact on the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) call center, which focuses on assisting Washington States low-to-moderate-income working families and individuals. The Call Center's primary function is to answer questions and assist those applying for WFTC. They are also dedicated to educating and providing guidance to applicants regarding the criteria for the benefit.

The hiring manager may start screening applicants as early as July 13, 2026, and make a hiring decision at any time after. It will be to your advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.

Revenue is a dynamic learning organization where you will experience a remarkable work-life balance, with amazing leadership and talented co-workers ready and focused to achieve the agencys goals. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences. We employ and serve people of all backgrounds, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. This unique culture of respect promotes a professional family of cohesive groups, maximizing potential through opportunity. We offer a generous benefits package that includes defined benefit retirement plans; health, dental and vision coverage, deferred compensation plans, and as a public service employee, you may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness.

Visit these links to watch our recruitment video to find out more about our agency and see what our employees say about why Revenue is a great place to work.

We invite you to review the opportunity details below and forward this message to others you feel may be qualified.

Duties

This position will:

  • Provide direct customer service on the phone to WFTC applicants, including supporting individuals and organizations that work with WFTC applicants (ex., Voluntary Income Tax Assistance, community-based organizations, etc.).
  • Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs.
  • Answers all questions regarding the WFTC program. Refers customers to optional services and to other agencies as required.
  • Take action to ensure that limited English proficient clients receive properly translated forms and translation services.

Qualifications

The required qualifications are key competencies that have been successfully demonstrated through experience or education.

To join our team, you must possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies:

Customer Service & Communication:

  • Demonstrated ability to provide high-volume, direct customer service by phone and in person, gained through progressive experience in client-facing roles where explaining complex program requirements and resolving inquiries was essential.

  • Demonstrated skill in interpreting and conveying program information, procedures, and verification needs clearly and accurately, obtained through roles requiring frequent communication with diverse or vulnerable populations.

  • Proven ability to communicate empathetically and respectfully with individuals in difficult, emotional, or high-stress situations, gained through customer service, social services, call center, or public-facing work.

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, supported by experience requiring equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive customer interactions.

Technical & Analytical Skills:

  • Proven ability to review, verify, and process applications or case files with a high degree of accuracy, supported by prior experience applying rules, policies, or technical criteria to determine eligibility or make decisions.

  • Demonstrated ability to use computer systems, telephony platforms, and web-based applications to complete assigned work, supported by experience with office technology or automated processing systems.

Attention to Detail & Accuracy:

  • Progressive experience gathering documentation, evaluating data, and drawing reasoned conclusions, supported by work involving analytical tasks such as document review, fact-finding, or case examination.

Policy Interpretation & Application:

  • Knowledge of or experience applying laws, regulations, or technical guidance to individual circumstances, obtained through work in benefits programs, compliance-based roles, or other rule-driven environments.

Adaptability & Stress Management:

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, including handling frequent interruptions and returning to incomplete work, evidenced through prior roles with concurrent responsibilities and time-sensitive workloads.

  • Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, evidenced by participation in training, completion of job-related coursework, or successful adaptation to evolving procedures or program requirements.

The ability to take action to learn and grow:

  • Curious about themselves and others, take responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, and use their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.

The ability to take action to meet the needs of others:

  • Flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people they work with and serve.

Uses an equity & inclusive approach:

  • Actively seeks to understand and appreciate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of colleagues, customers, and communities. Encourages an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Uses an equity lens that applies an objective perspective to daily work by considering impacts on the people we serve, particularly marginalized groups by actively identifying and removing inequitable barriers.

Preference may be given to candidates who possess:

  • 9 months as Public Benefits Specialist 2.
  • An associates degree or higher.
  • Experience in a call center environment.
  • Experience in a benefits program.

This position offers hybrid/flexible remote work, however, the official duty station is Tumwater and the successful candidate must agree to travel to the office as operational needs dictate. Details of teleworking considerations can be addressed during the interview process.

To be considered:

  • Complete the online application in detail.
  • Attach a current resume.
  • Attach a letter of interest explaining your interest in the position and how you meet the qualifications listed.
  • Include three or more professional references with current contact information.

To take advantage of Veterans preference, please attach your DD-214, member 4 long form, or your NGB-22. Please blackout (redact) your social security number and date of birth before attachment.

Questions?

Hello, my name is Patrick, and I will be assisting with this announcement. As a 20-year Army veteran, I understand the difficulty in finding an enjoyable career with a work-life balance. At Revenue, we pride ourselves on connecting talented individuals with opportunity and would like to answer any questions you have. Please contact any part of the Staffing team at Jobs@dor.wa.govor give me a call (360) 704-5738.

Supplemental Information

The Human Resource Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will 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 position.

These positions are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington and the WPEA.

The Department of Revenue is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and offer a respectful, inclusive culture for people with disabilities, as well as members of all protected groups and statuses. We encourage you to apply.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

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

Although this opportunity may have telework options, you must reside in Washington State. Do you live in or plan to relocate to Washington State?

  • Yes
  • No

02

Incomplete applications or applications received without these materials may be disqualified. Did you attach the following?

  • Cover letter
  • Resume

03

Will you now or in the future require the Department of Revenue to commence ("sponsor") an immigration case in order to employ you (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration case)? This is sometimes called "sponsorship" for an employment-based visa status.

  • Yes
  • No

04

How did you hear about the Department of Revenue as a possible employer?

  • Family/Friends
  • State Employee (Please identify the name of the employee below)
  • School Representative/Professor
  • Career Counselor
  • Job/Career Fair (Please identify the name of the event below)
  • Social Media Contact
  • Other

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

About the Company

S

State of Washington