PUBLIC BENEFITS SPECIALIST 4

Salary: $4,517.00 - $6,077.00 Monthly Location : Spokane County - Spokane Valley, WA Job Type: Full Time - Permanent Job Number: Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services Division: ESA Opening Date: 10/30/2024 Closing Date: 11/6/2024 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 (ESA) has an exciting opportunity for a Public Benefits Specialist to join our team in our Spokane Trent Community Service Office. When you work for DSHS's CSD, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians. The Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) serves as lead worker and is expected to possess a high level of proficiency in all public benefit programs. The position is responsible to audit, coach, train and guide lower level Public Benefits Specialists. Also performs case audits/reviews and observational audits. This position will have access to the Washington Health Plan Finder (HPF) system and personally identifiable information (PII). Per the Information Exchange Agreement No. between the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and State-Based Exchanges for the disclosure of health insurance affordability programs information under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, passing a criminal background check is required for this position. See why others like you have chosen a career with DSHS: Some of what you will do: Assigns work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process cash, medical, and/or food benefits Audits/reviews work of Public Benefits Specialist staff. Conducts ongoing audits for new and experienced staff. Establishes reports and recommendations to supervisor on staff progress Detects error trends through audits to identify training needs Serves as a job coach for staff Maintains and reviews procedures for efficient workflow Performs more complex duties in relation to establishing financial eligibility, rule interpretation, planning, and procedural development Verifies and establishes overpayments and completes referrals to the Office of Financial Recovery Reviews cases and independently analyzes case actions for accuracy. Contacts staff, agencies and the community as necessary for clarifying information Uses basic understanding of the administrative hearing process to review cases and to help decide if a hearing request can be settled prior to submission and assures appropriate action is taken 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 Investigates and resolves customer complaints. Reviews and coordinates resolution of case errors. Identifies and reports performance gaps. Works independently or with others to identify and carry out creative solutions to performance issues Conduct intensive interviews when necessary to determine eligibility for financial, Medical and/or food assistance benefits. Responsible for interviewing, reviewing documents, and assisting with financial processes. Receive and respond to different types of inquires including Medical applications and reviews, information and referral requests, general questions, case specific questions and Change of Circumstance Notifications Answer all questions regarding benefits or available services. Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs. Refer clients to both mandatory and optional services and to other agencies as required. Assess emergent and special needs and make referrals to other programs and community resources as appropriate. If unable to answer question(s), will refer the client to a source that can provide needed information Determine eligibility for expedited services Obtain and review necessary data, documentation and verification for Federal or State assistance as it relates to the individual's specific circumstance. Attempt to verify reported changes via phone contact to the appropriate party i.e. landlord, employer etc. Process all case actions in accordance with Federal and State processing and accuracy requirements Analyze oral and written information to determine accurate benefits and continued program eligibility. Enter all cases actions into the appropriate computer programs (ACES, ACES Online, Barcode, E-JAS, ICMS) Educate stakeholders on public benefit programs and eligibility requirements What we're looking for: Possess extensive knowledge of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and procedural manuals needed to determine eligibility for all programs administered by CSD Proficiently utilize all computer programs in use by the Community Service Division Frequently review data found in the State's computer systems to make accurate decisions Interact with all DSHS staff and serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy and responsiveness Independently plan and manage multiple financial cases or projects to be completed within specified timelines Stay calm under pressure, and effectively manage the stress of the job. Work effectively in a fast-paced environment and be able to demonstrate flexibility in completing multiple assignments while meeting performance standards. Apply today! Who Should Apply? Professionals with: A Bachelor's degree or Master's degree. And 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 determine eligibility for long-term care services. Equivalent Education/Experience: Experience examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information, will substitute year for year, for education and experience; 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 experience. Questions? Please contact OR call the main Talent Acquisition line at and reference 12071. 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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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. 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) . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or . 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 . 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, are entitled to three (3) 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 Where did you learn about this job with DSHS ESA? Careers.wa.gov DSHS Employee Community Service Office or other DSHS Lobby Friend/family member Social Media 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

Created: 2024-11-05