DSHS HCLA Public Benefits Specialist Supervisor

DSHS HCLA Public Benefits Specialist Supervisor

We’re hiring a Public Benefits Specialist Supervisor to lead a statewide team supporting high-risk clients who rely on long-term services and supports (LTSS). As part of Home and Community Services (HCS) within the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), you’ll oversee eligibility operations that promote independence, dignity, and quality of life for adults with disabilities, seniors, and caregivers across Washington. This role also supports Washington’s 1115 Medicaid Transformation initiatives, including Medicaid Alternative Care (MAC) and Tailored Supports for Older Adults (TSOA) - innovative programs designed to delay institutional care by strengthening support for unpaid caregivers and older adults. Your leadership will ensure consistent service delivery, mentor staff, and uphold policy standards that advance equitable access to essential care statewide.

Please note: Flexible hybrid work schedule is based on business needs. This project is funded through 6/30/2028.

Some of what you’ll do:

• Supervises a team of Public Benefits Specialists who process applications, complete renewals, and ongoing case management for public assistance programs, including cash, food, medical, and long-term services and support.

• Develops hiring strategies, including writing position description forms for new employees, creating job announcements, completing interviews, completing reference checks, reviewing personnel files, completing background checks, and hiring new staff.

• Evaluates ongoing employee performance, create and conduct yearly employee performance evaluations (PDPs), and measures individual and unit performance against established targets.

• Identifies, resolves, documents and implements personnel issues such as: grievances, Reasonable Accommodation plans, corrective action plans, progressive discipline, fact-finding investigations, performance communication meetings conducted with staff.

• Manages leave and attendance for staff, including: approving/submitting leave requests and timecard entries, tracking and reporting employee overtime and leave without pay; identifying and complying with FMLA requirements, and managing appropriate use of employee leave.

• Establishes unit workloads and quality standards and ensures equitable work distribution within the unit. Controls overall flow of work processed by the unit.

• Provides regular 1:1s meetings, coaching, mentoring and encouragement to staff.

• Determines and approves or denies individual and unit training needs.

What we’re looking for:

• Fosters effective communication and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, maintaining strong working relationships with staff at all levels.

• Demonstrates active listening to support staff development, resolve conflicts, and ensure client-centered service delivery.

• Applies advanced critical thinking to guide decision-making, troubleshoot complex eligibility issues, and support policy interpretation.

• Exercises sound professional judgment in high-stakes situations, balancing regulatory compliance with client needs and staff support.

• Demonstrates steady leadership under pressure, de-escalating tense situations and fostering a resilient, solutions-oriented team environment.

Who should apply?

One year of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3 or 4.

OR

Bachelor’s degree and three 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.

Three years of out-of-state experience, conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs will be considered toward experience.

Note: Related or closely related employment experience may substitute year for year for education.

Please include with your application:

• Three professional references with contact information

Questions?Email the recruiter at vincent.hamilton@dshs.wa.govand reference job number 03669.
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.

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.

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