DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4

Salary

$4,746.00 - $6,384.00 Monthly

Location

Pierce County - Lakewood, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-05921

Department

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division

ESA

Opening Date

07/23/2026

Closing Date

7/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Public Benefits Specialist 4 - Case Planning and Support Specialist

Every day, people across Washington state face hard moments. A lost job. A sudden bill. A family crisis. In those moments, the Washington State DSHSs Community Service Division (CSD) becomes a lifeline. We are currently hiring for a Case Planning and Support Specialist to join our Lakewood Community Services Office in Lakewood, WA.

In this position, youll help people take the first step toward stability by guiding individuals and families through programs that provide essential support. Youll listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions and help people understand what help may be available to them. This position blends careful analysis with human connection. Youll review financial information, verify documents and determine eligibility for assistance programs. At the same time, youll help people build plans to remove barriers, find services and move toward employment and self-sufficiency.

Even though you will be working independently to decide eligibility and handle complex case decisions, youll also work closely with community partners such as training providers and social service programs to coordinate services and support people facing complex challenges. The decisions you make help ensure that assistance reaches the people who need it and that public resources are used responsibly.

Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

See why people like you choose careers with DSHS:

Some of what you will do:

• Conduct detailed interviews to assess eligibility for public assistance, including cash, food, and medical programs.
• Determine and redetermine eligibility for assistance programs using program rules and careful document review.
• Conduct group and one-on-one orientations that explain programs clearly to new applicants.
• Develop, monitor, and update personalized case plans that address barriers and support employment goals.
• Connect people to housing support, mental health care, substance use treatment, job training, and other community services.
• Review and interpret documents such as court orders, leases, and medical notes to determine the right program fit.
• Authorize and track support services like transportation, childcare, or work clothing.
• Visit clients at home or another location when they cannot come into the office, to complete assessments and connect them with services.
• Identify overpayments, refer them to the Office of Financial Recovery, respond to case audits, and act as a mandatory reporter when needed.
• Maintain accurate case notes and documentation across systems such as ACES, Barcode, eJAS, and the Health Plan Finder.

Who should apply? Professionals with:

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 public assistance or long-term care services.

OR

Five years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience may substitute for degree and PBS work experience requirements. Total must include at least one-year equivalent work experience. Examples of equivalent experience include but are not limited to:

• Providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities.
• Experience examining/processing loan applications.
• Medical insurance or rehabilitation claims.
• Unemployment insurance claims.
• Providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.

AND

Satisfactory completion of the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.

Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance, including financial, medical and food benefit programs, will be considered toward experience. Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities were looking for:

• Eligibility expertise: Analyzes financial, legal, and personal documentation to determine and redetermine eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Policy interpretation: Applies Washington Administrative Code, Revised Code of Washington, and agency procedural manuals to ensure eligibility decisions meet federal and state requirements.
• Case planning: Develops and monitors service plans that address barriers to participation while connecting people to employment, training, and support services.
• Equity and cultural competence: Promotes equity and provides respectful, culturally responsive service to people from diverse backgrounds, using interpreter or translation services when needed.
• Analytical skills: Evaluates written and verbal information, identifies patterns, and decides on appropriate program actions or referrals based on the information gathered.
• Communication: Explains benefit programs, eligibility decisions, and program requirements clearly, while maintaining respectful interactions with people and partners.
• Crisis navigation: De-escalates difficult interactions and supports people experiencing stress or frustration, while maintaining professionalism and service standards.
• Confidentiality: Safeguards sensitive personal information by following strict privacy rules and ensuring client data is handled and shared appropriately.

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 DSHS Recruiter, Georgina Pringle at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 05921.

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

Where did you learn about this job with DSHS ESA CSD?

• DSHS Employee
• Community Service Office or other DSHS Lobby
• Friend/family member
• Social Media
• Careers.wa.gov
• Job Fair or Resource Fair
• Virtual Open House or Information Session
• WorkSource job advertisement or referral
• College Campus Career or Internship Center
• Physical job flyer
• Local non-profit
• 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