• Job Description

  Req#: 5284164
  Salary: $4,428.00 - $5,956.00 Monthly
  Location : Multiple Locations - Eastern Washington, WA
  Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
  Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
  Job Number: 2026-02474
  Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
  Division: Early Learning Division
  Opening Date: 03/31/2026
  Closing Date: 4/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
  Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
  
  Description
  Our vision is to ensure that "All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community".
  
  Job Title: Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 In-Training (PBS3)
  Location: Two positions available-
  • Spokane Valley-This position is hybrid with the expectation of in-person attendance to meet business needs. Therefore, the selected candidate must be willing and able to commute to 8517 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99212.
  • Yakima- This position is hybrid with the expectation of in-person attendance to meet business needs. Therefore, the selected candidate must be willing and able to commute to 1002 N 16th Ave., Yakima, WA 98901.
  Closes: April 9th, 2026
  Salary: Public Benefits Specialist 1 (PBS1): $4,428 - $5,137 monthly; Public Benefits Specialist 2 (PBS2): $4,653 - $5,531 monthly; Public Benefits Specialist 3 (PBS3): $4,882 - $5,956 monthly.
  
  Do you want to help families and communities safely care for their children? We are looking for a Public Benefits Specialist to join our team and provide eligibility determination for support services, working toward the common goal of eliminating child and youth outcome disparities at the Child Care Subsidy Contact Center. If you have a passion for helping others and want to strengthen opportunities, connections, and community, we encourage you to apply.
  
  The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) was created to be a comprehensive agency exclusively dedicated to the social, emotional, and physical well-being of children, youth, and families regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other socioeconomic factors. We believe our workforce should reflect the communities we serve and are actively searching for candidates that reflect that diversity.
  
  Click here to learn more about
  
  The Opportunity:
  The Public Benefits Specialist conducts interviews, reviews information, and makes eligibility determinations for child care subsidy assistance. As the incumbent of this position, you will use your extensive and specialized financial knowledge, as well as your ability to interpret public laws and policies and make independent decisions. In this role, you will provide customer service delivery and support children receiving early education.
  
  Some of what you will do:
  
  • Conduct intensive interviews with customers to determine eligibility for services, or continued eligibility for services when notifying the program of changes of circumstances for Child Care benefits.
  • Process Child Care applications received from the Washington Connection online applications, in the Document Management System (DMS), and through interactive interviews.
  • Analyze collected oral and written information to determine accurate benefits and continued program eligibility.
  • Finalize Child Care applications and reapplications with information received and verified for accurate determination of eligibility.
  • Refer clients to both mandatory and optional services, including to other agencies as required.
  • Take actions necessary to ensure that limited English proficient clients receive properly translated forms and translation services from state certified, contracted translators and interpreters.
  • Authorize Working Connections Child Care Subsidy payment to approved Licensed facility and Family Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Subsidy Providers through the Social Services Payment System (SSPS).
  • Compute and initiate overpayments and client notifications when necessary.
  • Issue reimbursements and benefits when appropriate to correct under issuances.
  • Assist Child Care Providers with subsidy payment information and other requirements to receive subsidy.
  
  
  Required qualifications:
  We are considering candidates at the Public Benefits Specialist 1 through 3 levels. Candidates, if hired, at the 1 and 2 levels, have a training plan to advance to Public Benefits Specialist 3. Experience is the only difference between qualifications for levels and is evaluated by the hiring manager.
  
  Public Benefits Specialist 1 (PBS1):
  
  • One year of experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs.
  
  OR
  
  • A bachelor's degree AND Experience examining/processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or in a customer service job where the major duties involve public contact, or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination will substitute, year for year, for education.
  
  
  Public Benefits Specialist 2 (PBS2):
  
  • Six months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 1, and completion of the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
  
  OR
  
  • One year of experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs and completing the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
  
  
  Public Benefits Specialist 3 (PBS3):
  
  • Nine months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2.
  
  OR
  
  • Fifteen months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 1 and satisfactory completion of the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program
  
  OR
  
  • Equivalent combination of education and/or experience determining eligibility for financial, medical, food, long-term services and support programs, childcare and equal access benefits totaling 18 months.
  
  
  Note(s): Candidates selected to advance will be required to complete an in-person math assessment as part of the initial screening process. Selected candidates will receive approximately one week's notice with the assessment date, time, and location.
  
  In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:
  
  • Demonstrated experience working in a high-volume customer service environment.
  • One (1) year of experience working in a call center environment.
  • Prior experience determining eligibility for public programs.
  
  
  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
  • Professional references (three)
  
  
  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 mission 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 position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information:
  
  This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
  
  If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact me atIf you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email .
  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.
  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
  
  Which of the following best describes how you meet the required qualifications for this position?
  • I have one (1) year of experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs.
  • One (1) year of experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs and completing the agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
  • I have eighteen (18) months experience determining eligibility for financial, medical, food, long-term services andsupport programs, childcare and equal access benefits.
  • I have six (6) months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 1, and completion of the agency's Public BenefitsSpecialist Training Program.
  • I have fifteen (15) months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 1 and satisfactory completion of the agency'sPublic Benefits Specialist Training Program.
  • I have nine (9) months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2.
  • A bachelor's degree AND Experience examining/processing medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or in a customer service job where the major duties involve public contact, or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination will substitute, year for year, for education.
  • I have none of the above
  
  02
  
  Based on your responses to the previous question, briefly describe how you meet the requirements of this job.
  03
  
  Which of the following best describes your experience working in a call center environment?
  • I have one (1) year of experience.
  • I have two (2) years of experience.
  • I have three (3) years of experience.
  • I have four (4) years of experience.
  • I have five (5) or MORE years of experience.
  • I have none of the above.
  
  04
  
  Which of the following best describes your experience working in a high-volume customer service environment?
  • I have one (1) year of experience.
  • I have two (2) years of experience.
  • I have three (3) years of experience.
  • I have four (4) years of experience.
  • I have five (5) or MORE years of experience.
  • I have none of the above.
  
  05
  
  Which of the following best describes your experience providing client referrals to agencies for optional or mandatory services?
  • I have one (1) year of experience.
  • I have two (2) years of experience.
  • I have three (3) years of experience.
  • I have four (4) years of experience.
  • I have five (5) or MORE years of experience.
  • I have none of the above.
  
  06
  
  Which of the following best describes your experience determining eligibility for public programs?
  • I have one (1) year of experience.
  • I have two (2) years of experience.
  • I have three (3) years of experience.
  • I have four (4) years of experience.
  • I have five (5) or MORE years of experience.
  • I have none of the above.
  
  07
  
  Which of the following best describes your experience analyzing collected oral and written information to determine accurate benefits and continued program eligibility?
  • I have one (1) year of experience.
  • I have two (2) years of experience.
  • I have three (3) years of experience.
  • I have four (4) years of experience.
  • I have five (5) or MORE years of experience.
  • I have none of the above.
  
  08
  
  Please choose the location(s) you're willing to accept employment at.
  • Spokane Valley, WA
  • Yakima, WA
  
  09
  
  I understand that if selected, I will be required to complete an in-person math assessment as part of the initial screening process.
  • Yes
  • No
  
  10
  
  *If claiming veteran's 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
  
  11
  
  How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?
  • Washington State's 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

• About the company

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