DSHS ALTSA Public Benefits Specialist 4

Description

DSHS ALTSA HCS Public Benefits Specialist 4  

Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA), Home and Community Services (HCS) is currently seeking a Public Benefits Specialist (PBS4) in Spokane, WA.  As an HCS PBS, you will provide comprehensive consultation about complex eligibility qualifications and skilled financial guidance to high-risk clients who are financially and medically dependent upon a full range of services and supports. 

Home and Community Services is a division of the Aging & Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA) which promotes, plans, develops, and provides an array of long-term services and supports to people who have disabilities, are seniors, or have caregivers to maximize their independence, dignity, and quality of life.

This role will start in office for training and it has the opportunity for telework with management discretion. 

 

Some of what you will do:

• Independently determines and re-determines ongoing eligibility for Long-term Services and support programs such as: HCB Waiver Services, hospice, alternate care service programs, nursing facility, institutional care, Medicaid Personal Care, and Community First Choice.
• Conduct intensive, confidential in-person and telephone interviews with clients, client representatives, attorneys, medical providers, and guardians; arrange accessibility, reasonable accommodations, or interpreters when necessary to determine eligibility and post-eligibility for long-term services and supports, financial, medical, WASHCAP, and food assistance benefits.
• Recognize and recalculate incorrect payments of grants, food benefits, medical assistance, and long-term services and supports, and establishes overpayments and underpayments.
• Provides professional case management and evaluates services for a broad range of clients seeking long-term services and supports.
• Acts as a source of information for agency social workers (internal and external), medical providers, guardians, authorized representatives, and attorneys.
• Input and receive data using multiple computer systems 
• Analyzes written and oral information received which includes court orders, contracts, insurance policies, trusts, life estates, and promissory notes. Obtaining and reviewing necessary data, documentation and verification for each program of assistance as it relates to the recipients’ specific circumstances.
• Reads and interprets Washington Administrative Code WAC, Revised Code of Washington (RCW), procedural manuals, policies, and policy clarifications.
• Uses a statewide asset verification and real property database to analyze impacts of real property transfers, quit claims and sales and understand applicability to a client’s eligibility.
• Respond to case audits and make corrections 
• Provide office coverage for clerical as scheduled 

  

Who should apply:

Professionals with 12 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 determining eligibility for public assistance or long-term care services.

OR

Five years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience* may substitute for degree and PBS work experience requirements. Total must include at least one year’s equivalent work experience. 

*Examples of equivalent experience include but are not limited to:

Providing eligibility for services or direct customer service serving historically marginalized communities. 
Experience examining/processing loan applications.
Medical insurance or rehabilitation claims.
Unemployment insurance claims.
Providing staff support in financial eligibility determination, or in a job analyzing, verifying, and evaluating financial data and information

AND

Satisfactory completion of the agency’s Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.   

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

Preferred skills, knowledge, and abilities: 

• Rules and requirements governing the administration of long-term care programs; state and federal medical assistance programs, Home & Community based waivers, institutional program eligibility, Community First Choice, Medicaid Personal Care, Medicaid Alternative Care, Tailored Supports for Older Adults, Aged, Blind, Disabled cash assistance, Basic Food, and WASHCAP.
• Empathic to the philosophy of public assistance programs; state and federal welfare laws, rules, and regulations; principles, problems, and practices of public welfare administration; social and economic conditions, and their effects upon people. 
• Can apply mathematical principles to calculations. 
• Familiarity with using various computer programs.
• Communicate effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, engaging with people who have communication barriers, assisting underserved populations, and discussing private and unpleasant options, in person and over the phone.
• Can work with complex technical regulations and procedures, and interpret complex situations and adapt to frequent policy and procedure changes. 
• Refrain from personal bias when determining eligibility.
• Capable to prioritize and perform multiple tasks with numerous interruptions.

Interested? Apply Today:

• Updated resume
• Cover letter
• Three professional references with current contact information

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.  
 
Questions? Please contact [email protected] OR call (360) 725-5810 and reference job number #01697.

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) 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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