Description
DSHS ALTSA Public Benefits Specialist 4

Do you possess expertise in determining eligibility for federal and state financial, medical, or food assistance programs? If you\'re looking for a chance to move your career forward, this is an excellent opportunity for you!

Join the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration , Home and Community Services in Walla Walla, WA as a Public Benefits Specialist 4. You will independently provide intensive and expert eligibility services to a high-risk population of individuals who are medically and financially dependent and in need of HCS Long-Term Services and Supports. This will be accomplished by coordinating with social services, keeping to strict deadlines, and complying with all confidentiality requirements.

Some of what you\'ll do:

• 
  Determine initial and on-going eligibility for long-term services and supports, as well as medical, cash and food programs
• Accelerate eligibility in emergent situations such as expedited food assistance, facility closures and hospital discharges
• Provide professional case management and program evaluation for a broad range of individuals seeking long-term services and supports
• Conduct intensive telephone and in-person interviews with clients and their representatives
• Analyze and verify complex legal documents to determine how they impact long-term care eligibility
• Act as a source of information for Social Service Specialists and Area Agency on Aging Case Managers, internal and external social workers, medical providers, guardians, authorized representatives, and attorneys
• Provide information and assistance to the community regarding HCS programs and how to access them
• Direct clients, representatives and caregivers to the appropriate person or agency for inquiries or problems that fall outside the area of financial eligibility
• Input and receive data using multiple automated systems including: ACES Mainframe, ACES Online/3G, Barcode, Comprehensive Assessment and Reporting Evaluation (CARE) system, Department of Health interface, Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), Support Enforcement Maintenance System (SEMS), Asset Verification System (AVS) and TPX Retirement Systems
• Work within time frames and deadlines dictated by state and federal program requirements
• Read and interpret the Washington Administrative Code and other procedural manuals
• Analyze written and oral information received from various sources for accuracy and authenticity
• Investigate complaints and answer inquiries from the community
• Ensure equal access to programs using oral and written translation services
• Other duties as assigned

What we\'re looking for:

• Knowledge of department rules and requirements governing the administration of long-term care programs administered by HCS
• Prior HCS LTC experience
• Knowledge of math and spelling basics with the ability to apply mathematical principals
• Ability to travel to mandatory trainings and meetings
• Ability to apply advanced interviewing techniques
• Ability to learn and adapt to frequent policy and procedure changes

Who should apply?

Professionals with a Bachelor\'s degree or equivalent experience: examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims; or in a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination; or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information. Experience will substitute year for year, for education.

Out-of-State employment conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance to include financial, medical and food assistance programs will be considered toward experience.

Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform Lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency\xe2\x80\x99s mission 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.

NOTE: Employees of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Any offer of employment is contingent upon verification of your vaccine status. Please note medical or religious accommodation may be available once an offer of employment is made.

Questions? Please contact Leah.Brandenburg@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 03357.
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\xe2\x80\x99s 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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