Description

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.

Do you want to help families and communities safely care for their children? We're looking for a Public Benefits Specialist to provide eligibility determination support services, working toward the common goal of eliminating child and youth outcome disparities based on race and ethnicity. Our vision is that "All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy-thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community."

The Opportunity:
The Child Care Subsidy Contact Center located in Bellingham or Mount Vernon is looking for a public service-oriented candidate to join our team as a Public Benefits Specialist. This position provides essential services to customers and many vulnerable Washington State residents who are applying for child care subsidies so parents and families can find employment. This individual will conduct interviews, review information, and make eligibility determinations for services and child care assistance. If you have a passion for helping others and want to see families flourish, we encourage you to apply and see what DCYF is all about.

Some of what you will be doing:

• Process applications for child care subsidy assistance.
• Conduct thorough interviews to determine eligibility for services.
• Assist customers with completing applications for Apple Healthcare.
• Provide client referrals to optional and mandatory services through other agencies.
• Assist limited English clients with properly translated forms and services.
• Assist child care providers with subsidy payment information and requirements.

What we are looking for:
The goal class for this position is a Public Benefits Specialist 3. We are also considering candidates at the Public Benefits Specialist 1 and 2 levels, with a training plan to advance to a Public Benefits Specialist 3. Experience is the only difference between qualifications for both levels and will be evaluated by the hiring manager.

Public Benefits Specialist 1 level: $3,246 - $4,324
A Bachelor's degree AND one year of experience examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or in a customer service job where the major duties involve public contact.

• Experience providing staff support in financial eligibility determination will substitute year for year for education requirement

Public Benefits Specialist 2 level $3,650 - $4,892:
Six months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 1.
OR
A Bachelor's degree AND one year of experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include medical benefit programs.

• Experience providing staff support in financial eligibility determination will substitute year for year for education requirement

Public Benefits Specialist 3 level $3,915 - $5,268:
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
A Bachelor's degree AND two years of experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include medical benefit programs.

• Experience providing staff support in financial eligibility determination will substitute year-for-year for education requirement

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• One year of experience working in a call center environment.
• Experience working in a high-volume customer service environment.
• 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 in order to be considered for this position:

• Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
• Current resume detailing experience and education

Supplemental Information:
Per Governor Inslee's Directive 22-13.1 (Download PDF reader) state employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation.

The initial screening will be based on the content and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. Applications with comments such as "see attachments" or "N/A" in the supplemental question responses will be considered incomplete.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history will 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 position.

This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

DCYF is an equal opportunity employer and supports equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Need accommodation throughout the application/interview process? Unable to apply online? Contact the Recruitment team at dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov or (360)688-3529 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 800-833-6388

Experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application? Call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

To take advantage of Veteran's preference please attach your DD-214, member 4 long-form, or your NGB-22. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.

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