Public Benefits Specialist 5 (PBS5) - Mount Vernon

Public Benefits Specialist 5 (PBS5) - Mount Vernon

Salary

$61,332.00 - $82,440.00 Annually

Location

Skagit County - Mt. Vernon, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-09058

Department

Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division

Early Learning Division

Opening Date

10/30/2026

Closing Date

11/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

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

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Our vision is to ensure that "Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community."

Job Title: Public Benefits Specialist 5 (PBS5)

Location: 900 E College Way Ste 200, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 - This position is currently designated as a telework position. Telework arrangements are subject to business needs and may change. You must be willing and able to report to the office when required, including for in-person meetings, equipment or IT support, or if the position is transitioned to an in-office work arrangement.

Closes: Friday, November 13th, 2026

Salary: $61,332 - $82,440 Annually

The Early Learning Child Care Subsidy Programs is seeking a public-service-oriented leader to supervise a team of Public Benefit Specialists who determine eligibility for Child Care Programs. Our ideal candidate is flexible, enjoys supporting and developing others, and thrives in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and deadlines. If you have a passion for helping families succeed and want to contribute to a program that strengthens opportunities and stability for Washington's children and families, we encourage you to apply.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

As a Public Benefits Specialist 5 (PBS5), you will oversee the work of Public Benefit Specialists 1-4 in an on-site and virtual financial unit setting. In this role, you will hire, supervise, and support your team to ensure accuracy, timeliness, professionalism, and adherence to agency expectations for attendance, training, and performance. This position requires a strong ability to provide coaching and development opportunities that support staff growth in their current roles as well as their long-term career goals.

The PBS5 is responsible for reviewing and understanding the Workforce Optimization (WFO) program to ensure work is distributed fairly and consistently across the team based on workload needs. You will also provide direction when the WFO system is not functioning, ensuring continuity of operations and maintaining service standards. By leading your team and supporting the delivery of Child Care eligibility services, this position plays a critical role in helping DCYF fulfill its mission of fostering safety, stability, and better outcomes for Washington's vulnerable children, youth, and families.

Some of what youll get to do:

• Establish unit workloads and quality standards, review complaints and eligibility determinations.
• Control overall flow of work processed by the unit.
• Arrange for timely technical and professional training for staff, including the agency's Core Training for Public Benefits Specialists.
• Conducts regular (monthly) unit and 1:1 meetings with staff.
• Explain policies and procedures regarding eligibility for Child Care Subsidy for staff.
• Conduct or arrange for timely technical and job development training for staff and coach employees on effective customer service, community referrals and CCSP eligibility.
• Analyze, monitor and assign unit tasks, workload and performance standards to ensure smooth flow of work.
• Complete employee performance appraisals and annual performance evaluations to review. Develop, implement and track employee improvement plans to address poor performance.
• Assists customers with the process of applying for Apple Healthcare by entering information into the Health Plan Finder (HPF) system on behalf of the clients.
• Hire new staff and ensure they receive appropriate and timely training.
• Submits periodic reports to management team regarding unit operations.
• Effectively builds, manages and maintains partnership relations with community partners.
• Reviews and analyzes electronic and paper records and reports (auditing) and directly observes work to evaluate unit and individual performance and ensure accurate and timely completion of assigned work in accordance with published rules and laws.
• Records results of work audits in the automated audit system and employee records in accordance with statewide audit standards, collective bargaining agreements and personnel rules.
• Responds to various community requests for information and addresses client complaints regarding Department actions.

Required qualifications:

• Equivalent combination of education and experience determining eligibility for financial, medical, food, long-term services and support programs, childcare and equal access benefits totaling four (4) years.

OR

• One (1) year of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3 or 4. Six (6) months of the required experience must be in a Call Center environment AND previous experience reading and interpreting Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and other procedural and policy manuals, OR knowledge of departmental rules and requirements governing the administration of Working Connections Child Care.

OR

• Bachelors degree AND three (3) years of experience examining/processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or a job providing staff support in public assistance eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.

AND

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

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Prior experience and understanding of the department and division, to include understanding of policies and procedures.
• Previous experience performing supervisory tasks such as: Interviewing, hiring, training, assigning and/or directing work and evaluating staff.
• Previous experience managing and/or administrating large programs with significant monetary impact in a professional office environment.
• Previous experience leading or managing projects.
• Previous experience using a personal computer and applicable software to successfully monitor performance expectations.

How do I apply?

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:

• Resume (current/updated).
• Cover Letter (describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position).

Supplemental Information:

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our goal to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

The incumbent must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment.

Degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org. Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S.

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/

If you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact DCYF Recruiter. If youre experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22, or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, the individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veterans' Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.

2026-09058

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

Which of the following best describes how you meet the required qualifications of this position?

• One (1) year of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3 or 4. Six (6) months of the required experience must be in a Call Center environment, AND previous experience reading and interpreting Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and other procedural and policy manuals, OR knowledge of department rules and requirements governing the administration of Working Connections Child Care.
• Bachelors degree, AND three (3) years of experience examining/processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or a job providing staff support in public assistance eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information.
• Equivalent education and experience determining eligibility for financial, medical, food, long-term services and support programs, childcare and equal access benefits totaling four (4) years.
• I have none of the above.

02

Please describe how you meet the minimum required qualifications you selected in Question 1. In your response, include the total number of years of qualifying experience you are counting and explain any call center experience you have, including your responsibilities and the length of time you performed that work. Your response must align with the work history listed in your application. If you do not have this experience, please write "none." Please do not write "see resume," "see application," or similar.

03

Which of the following best describes your experience supervising or providing coaching, training, or performance management to staff in a unit or team environment?

• No Experience - (I have not supervised or coached staff.)
• Limited Experience - (I have provided occasional guidance or training but not with ongoing responsibility.)
• Working Experience - (I have regularly coached or trained staff and provided performance input.)
• Advanced Experience - (I have supervised staff, completed performance evaluations, and supported employee development.)
• Expert Experience - (I have led teams, developed training plans, addressed performance issues, and supported staff career growth.)

04

Which of the following best describes your experience determining eligibility for public benefit programs and applying WAC, policy, or procedural guidance?

• No Experience - (I have not determined eligibility or interpreted program policy.)
• Limited Experience - (I have some experience interpreting policy or supporting eligibility work.)
• Working Experience - (I independently determine eligibility and interpret WAC/policy as part of my core duties.)
• Advanced Experience - (I handle complex eligibility cases and assist others in applying policy.)
• Expert Experience - (I am recognized as a subject matter expert in eligibility and policy interpretation, and I advise or train others.)

05

Which of the following best describes your experience reviewing staff work, conducting audits, or evaluating performance for accuracy, timeliness, and compliance?

• No Experience - (I have not reviewed or audited staff work.)
• Limited Experience - (I have conducted basic reviews with guidance.)
• Working Experience - (I regularly review work for accuracy and compliance and provide feedback.)
• Advanced Experience - (I conduct formal audits, track quality trends, and develop improvement plans.)
• Expert Experience - (I lead unit-wide quality efforts, ensure statewide consistency, and coach staff through performance improvement.)

06

Which of the following best describes your experience analyzing complex or escalated eligibility cases and resolving issues involving policy, systems, or customer concerns?

• No Experience - (I have not handled complex cases.)
• Limited Experience - (I have assisted with complex cases under supervision.)
• Working Experience - (I regularly resolve complex cases independently using policy and systems knowledge.)
• Advanced Experience - (I resolve escalated issues, troubleshoot system problems, and guide others through complex cases.)
• Expert Experience - (I am the go-to resource for resolving high-risk or complex cases involving multiple programs or stakeholders.)

07

Which of the following best describes your experience building partnerships and communicating with staff, community partners, or the public regarding program policies or decisions?

• No Experience - (I have not communicated program policy to partners or the public.)
• Limited Experience - (I have occasionally communicated program information but not in a formal capacity.)
• Working Experience - (I regularly communicate policy and program information to staff or customers.)
• Advanced Experience - (I work with partners or community organizations and clearly communicate program expectations.)
• Expert Experience - (I lead communication efforts, represent the agency externally, and build strong community partnerships.)

08

If claiming veterans preference in obtaining state employment, have you attached a redacted DD214, NGB22 or other signed document validating service type and discharge?

• Yes
• No
• Does not apply.

09

How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?

• Washington States career website: www.careers.wa.gov
• Washington State Work Source office or website (Go2WorkSource.com)
• Washington State employee
• DCYF Recruiter
• College/university career fair or website
• Diversity network meeting/event
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• ZipRecruiter
• 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