ES Benefits Specialist 2 (ESBS2) - Employer Support Specialist: Telework / Olympia

ES Benefits Specialist 2 (ESBS2) - Employer Support Specialist: Telework / Olympia

Salary

$55,596.00 - $74,748.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-07475

Department

Employment Security Department

Division

Leave and Care Division

Opening Date

10/01/2026

Closing Date

10/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

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

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This posting will be used to fill multiple vacancies. This position is eligible for full-time telework; however, occasional in-office presence may be required based on business needs. The duty station for this role is Maple Park in Olympia, and flexible or hybrid work arrangements may be utilized as appropriate.

The ideal candidate for the ES Benefit Specialist 2 - Employer Support Specialist role is a dedicated, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a service-focused environment and is motivated by the opportunity to strengthen community well-being across Washington State. You bring proven experience in benefits administration, compliance, or enforcement-ideally within public programs-and you're skilled at interpreting policy, navigating complex regulations, and supporting employers with clarity and confidence.

You are someone who approaches complex employer situations with patience, professionalism, and sound judgment. You're comfortable researching and interpreting statutes, rules, and policies, and you can translate that information into clear, actionable guidance. You value accuracy and consistency, but you're also adaptable-able to shift between detailed case review, employer outreach, and collaborative problem-solving with internal partners. Most importantly, you take pride in supporting programs that make a meaningful difference in people's lives and are committed to ensuring employers have the tools and knowledge they need to meet their obligations with confidence.

Duties

The ES Benefit Specialist 2 - Employer Support Specialist is a vital member of the Operations Unit of the Leave and Care Division and reports to the Employer Support Supervisor. The positions main objective is to ensure employers, third-party employer agents, and elective coverage customers receive the support needed to adequately adhere to Washington States Paid Leave and WA Cares program requirements and support the agencys mission, vision, and values.

Some of your daily duties may include but not limited to:

• Act as an escalation pathway from frontline employer assistance workstreams via electronic and telephonic inquires providing subject matter expert support.
• Assist and advise third-party employer agents in their reporting obligations, premium payments, and any other issues concerning the representing of employers as outlined in state law and ESD policies.
• Provide excellent customer service on a large volume of inbound and outbound customer communications via phone, letters, and email in a timely and accurate manner.
• Detect and resolve complex account management issues regarding the Paid Family and Medical Leave and WA Cares programs including (but not limited to) quarterly report troubleshooting, registration, premium calculations, voluntary plan administration, payment instructions, technical support, and new law implementation.
• Adjudicate small business assistance grant applications by reviewing application materials, including documentation against grant requirements and understanding the Paid Leave benefit system to determine monetary amount to be paid to the employer under an approved grant.
• Assist employers in understanding the small business assistance grants program under RCW 50a, including eligibility requirements and premium liability.
• Report potential employer account fraud per compliance regulations.
• Process all case actions in accordance with RCW, WAC and ESD's established policies and procedures.

To request a detailed position description, click here.

Qualifications

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1: Five (5) years of equivalent education/experience.

Option 2: One (1) year as an ES Benefits Specialist 1.

Option 3: One (1) year of experience equivalent to the ES Benefits Specialist 1 with another state that administers insurance benefits programs and/or collects wage reports.

Option 4: Associate's degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field AND three (3) years of the required experience below.

Option 5: Bachelor's Degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field AND one (1) year of the required experience below.

The required experience includes:

• Program Knowledge & Communication: Ability to explain program requirements and services.
• Legal Compliance & Decision Making: Ability to make decisions based on laws and policies.
• Fact-Finding & Advising: Ability to gather facts and advise on rights and responsibilities.
• Hour & Wage Reporting: Proficiency in reviewing hour and wage reports.
• Documentation & Verification: Ability to document and verify employer requests.
• Data Collection & Review: Ability to collect and review necessary data.
• Adaptability & Versatility: Ability to perform various tasks as needed.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Paid Leave and WA Cares rules, laws, regulations, and policies.
• 3 years of demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Account management.
• Advanced customer service.
• Analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations.
• Conducting business analysis and developing requirements.

Required equity competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.

• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical and Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.

Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy. Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.

Please ONLY submit your Cover Letter and Resume with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.

Supplemental Information

Why work with us?

Our agencys mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; thats why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.

Opportunity for All

We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Lydia White or at 360-819-6996 or the Talent Acquisition Team, prior to the position closing. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.

This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.

This Organization Participates in E-Verify

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

To be considered for this position, you must include a resume and a cover letter with this applicant packet. Please submit ONLY the required documents. Please indicate you have attached the required documentation.

• Yes
• No

02

Are you a current or former Washington state employee?

• Yes
• No

03

If you selected "yes" to the question above, please indicate which state agency. If this does not apply, type N/A.

04

Under RCW 73.16.010, certain military spouses are eligible for preference. Do you attest that you meet one of the following eligibility criteria?

• You are the spouse of an active-duty service member.
• You are the widow or widower of a member of the uniformed services who had a qualifying discharge, as defined in RCW 73.04.005.
• You are the spouse of a veteran who has a qualifying discharge, as defined in RCW 73.04.005, and a service-connected permanent and total disability.
• None of the above.

05

Please select any of the following that best describes your experience that qualifies you for this position.

• Five (5) years of equivalent education/experience.
• One (1) year as an ES Benefits Specialist 1.
• One (1) year of experience equivalent to the ES Benefits Specialist 1 with another state that administers insurance benefits programs and/or collects wage reports.
• Associate's degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field and three (3) years of the experience as outlined on the job posting.
• Bachelor's Degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field and one (1) year of the experience as outlined on the job posting.
• I do not have this experience.

06

Program Knowledge & Communication: Ability to explain program requirements and services. In one or two sentences, describe how your work experience demonstrates this competency. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.

07

Legal Compliance & Decision Making: Ability to make decisions based on laws and policies. In one or two sentences, describe how your work experience demonstrates this competency. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.

08

Fact-Finding & Advising: Ability to gather facts and advise on rights and responsibilities. In one or two sentences, describe how your work experience demonstrates this competency. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.

09

Hour & Wage Reporting: Proficiency in reviewing hour and wage reports. In one or two sentences, describe how your work experience demonstrates this competency. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.

10

Documentation & Verification: Ability to document and verify employer requests. In one or two sentences, describe how your work experience demonstrates this competency. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.

11

Data Collection & Review: Ability to collect and review necessary data. In one or two sentences, describe how your work experience demonstrates this competency. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.

12

Adaptability & Versatility: Ability to perform various tasks as needed. In one or two sentences, describe how your work experience demonstrates this competency. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.

13

Please select each preferred qualification you currently possess:

• I have knowledge of Paid Leave and/or WA Cares rules, laws, regulations, or policies
• I have three (3) years of experience in account management.
• I have three (3) years of experience in advanced customer service.
• I have three (3) years of experience analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations.
• I have three (3) years of experience conducting business analysis and developing requirements.
• None of the above

14

Please select all options that reflect your demonstrated values:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• None of the above.

15

How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• WWW.Careers.Wa.Gov
• WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
• Washington State Employee Referral
• ESD Employee Referral
• Employment Security Departments job web page: WWW.Esd.Wa.Gov
• Monster
• College/university career fair or website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• VERG
• Craigslist
• CareerBuilder
• Diversity Jobs
• Handshake
• 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