• Job Description

  Req#: 5313849
  Salary: $4,653.00 - $6,259.00 Monthly
  Location : King County - Seattle - White Center, WA
  Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
  Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
  Job Number: 2026-03266
  Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
  Division: ESA
  Opening Date: 04/21/2026
  Closing Date: 4/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
  Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
  
  Description
  Public Benefits Specialist 4 - Lead Worker
  
  The is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 to serve as a lead worker located at our in Seattle, for the Customer Service Contact Center - South Sound team. Each month, the center receives a high volume of calls from people asking about food, medical, and cash assistance. The person in this role serves as a lead worker, guiding and supporting a team of Public Benefits Specialists to make sure customers get accurate help. You'll support colleagues, strengthen service delivery, and help ensure Washington families receive timely and accurate benefits.
  
  Your work shapes how services are provided each day, through clear guidance, thoughtful decision-making, and a commitment to accuracy and accessibility. This is a professional path where your skills make a real difference to DSHS's mission to partner with people to access support, care, and resources.
  
  Please note: This position has been approved to work a flexible/hybrid schedule based on business needs.
  King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.
  
  See why people like you choose careers with DSHS:
  Some of what you will do:
  
  • Assign work to Public Benefits Specialists and support the office's daily workflow to ensure timely processing of cash, medical, and food benefits.
  • Conduct audits and case reviews, identify error trends, and recommend training or process adjustments.
  • Provide real-time coaching, policy interpretation, and technical guidance to staff at all experience levels.
  • Assist with complex eligibility determinations, including resolving case discrepancies, overpayments, and benefit corrections.
  • Assess urgent needs and connect customers to community resources and other programs.
  • Investigate and resolve customer complaints, escalations, and case errors by analyzing information and collaborating with internal and external partners.
  • Conduct interviews, determine eligibility for services, and handle complex financial, medical, and food assistance cases with precision.
  • Support staff in using our software applications, such as; ACES, ACES Online, Barcode, e-JAS, ICMS, Washington Health Plan Finder, and Washington Connections.
  • Serve in a stand-in capacity when the supervisor is away, participating in discussions, offering case consultation, and supporting daily operations.
  • Participate in outreach, cultural competency efforts, and community-based activities that strengthen service access and awareness.
  
  
  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 we're looking for:
  
  • Eligibility expertise: Thorough understanding of financial, medical, and food assistance programs, including the ability to interpret Washington Administrative Code and procedural guidance.
  • Coaching and support: Ability to guide others through casework, policy application, and system navigation in a constructive, approachable way.
  • Analytical thinking: Skill in reviewing complex information, conducting case audits, identifying errors, and recommending accurate corrective actions.
  • Clear communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for working with colleagues, clients, and community partners, including those with limited English proficiency.
  • Conflict resolution: Ability to de-escalate tense interactions and support fair, client-centered resolutions.
  • Technical proficiency: Comfort using multiple software applications and systems and reviewing data to ensure accuracy while meeting performance expectations.
  • Adaptability and steadiness: Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, prioritize shifting needs, and maintain composure under pressure.
  • Commitment to service: A professional approach grounded in respect, courtesy, responsiveness, and alignment with the department's mission and values.
  
  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 and reference job number 03266.
  
  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 applicant's 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 driver's 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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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
  
  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
  
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