Job Details
Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) Vancouver
2026-01-18 State of Washington all cities,AK
Description:
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:
Supplemental Information:
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.
This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information:
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact Veronica Jones (Talent Acquisition Specialist) at If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) ###-#### or email
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (360) ###-####.
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 357-31-165.
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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026
01
Which of the following best describes how you meet the qualifications for this position?
02
Please briefly describe your professional experience in financial services, eligibility determination, or a related field. If you do not have this experience, type NA.
03
Which one of the following best describes your understanding of Child Care Subsidy eligibility and processes.
04
Which of the following best describes your experience assigning work and coaching staff.
05
Which of the following best describes your experience auditing Public Benefits Specialist problems, and practices of public welfare administration.
06
How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?
Required Question
Salary: $55,836.00 - $75,108.00 Annually
Location : Clark County - Vancouver, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-09270
Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division: Early Learning Division
Opening Date: 01/16/2026
Closing Date: 1/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Our vision is to ensure that "Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy-thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured by family and community."
Job Title: Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) Vancouver
Location: Vancouver, WA. This position is currently deployed as a telework position, however, when there is a business need such as deployment ends, in-person meetings, IT/equipment issues, etc., the selected candidate must be willing and able to commute to 501 SE Columbia Shores Blvd., Ste 350, Vancouver, WA 98661.
Closes: January 26th, 2026
Salary: $55,836 - $75,108 Annually
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is excited to welcome a Public Benefits Specialist 4 to our team! This role is a meaningful opportunity to directly support DCYF's mission: working alongside Washington's vulnerablechildren, youth, and families to foster safety, stability, and better outcomes by strengthening opportunities, connections, and community.
You will help ensure children and families have access to reliable, high-quality child care by supporting accurate and timely eligibility determinations for child care subsidy programs. You will serve as a Lead Worker, providing guidance, coaching, and technical support to a team of Public Benefits Specialists in both on-site and virtual financial units. Your work will include reviewing eligibility decisions, ensuring the accuracy of Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) provider payments, responding to payment inquiries, and identifying potential discrepancies or fraud.
If you are motivated by leadership, collaboration, and making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families, this role offers the chance to put your expertise to work in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Click here to learn more about
Some of what you will do:
This position helps manage the workload and daily assignments across supervisory units with the DCYF Child Care Subsidy Statewide Call Center.
Serves as lead worker for a team of Public Benefits Specialists with the DCYF Child Care Subsidy Statewide Call Center including assigning, coaching, and checking work. Tasks include:
- Assigns work to Public Benefits Specialist staff who process Child Care Subsidy benefits.
- Audits and 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 quality assurance audits to identify training needs.
- Serves as a job coach for staff by assisting in training new staff, auditing all PBS staff's work, and identify error trends.
- Adheres, reviews, and coaches to procedures for efficient workflow.
- Explains policies and procedures regarding eligibility for Child Care Subsidy for staff.
- Review cases to resolve elevated customer complaints and determine correct eligibility for Child Care Subsidy.
- Have the ability to answer questions regarding benefits or available services from both PBS staff and consumers. Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs.
- Obtain, review, and interpret necessary data, documentation and verification for Child Care Subsidy programs as it relates to the individual's specific circumstance.
- Process all case actions in accordance with Federal and State processing and accuracy requirements.
- Five (5) years of 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 AND satisfactory completion of the Agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
- A bachelor's degree or higher AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for long-term care services
- One (1) year of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3; Six (6) months of the required experience must be in a Child Care Subsidy Call Center.
- The ability to take action to learn and grow.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
- Prior understanding of Child Care Subsidy eligibility and processes.
- Prior experience working with appropriate computer programs; Barcode/WCAP, ACES Online, UTAB, MERIT, FAMLink, e-Jas, WHALES, SEMS, Soltra, TEMS, Washington Connections and SSPS.
- Prior experience providing excellent communication skills both oral and written and provide outstanding customer service by phone.
- Prior experience maintaining quality and productivity levels in a position.
- Prior experience assisting others in interpretation and analysis of data; making independent decisions; coaching and staff.
- Prior experience prioritizing and performing multiple tasks in the same timeframe, handling interruptions appropriately and returning to incomplete tasks.
- Prior experience auditing cases accurately and being directly responsible for identifying and correcting errors or inconsistencies of fact, numerical calculations or other important details.
- Prior experience displaying the ability to diffuse potentially hostile situations.
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:
- Resume (current/updated)
Supplemental Information:
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.
This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information:
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact Veronica Jones (Talent Acquisition Specialist) at If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) ###-#### or email
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (360) ###-####.
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 357-31-165.
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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026
01
Which of the following best describes how you meet the qualifications for this position?
- Five (5) years of 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 AND satisfactory completion of the Agency's Public Benefits Specialist Training Program.
- A bachelor's degree or higher AND twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for long-term care services
- One (1) year of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3; Six (6) months of the required experience must be in a Child Care Subsidy Call Center.
- None of the above.
02
Please briefly describe your professional experience in financial services, eligibility determination, or a related field. If you do not have this experience, type NA.
03
Which one of the following best describes your understanding of Child Care Subsidy eligibility and processes.
- Willing (Little or no experience or training regarding this competency, but interested and willing to learn).
- Developing (Developing knowledge and skills regarding this competency through completion of an employer sponsored training or higher education program, OR through at least 6 months of experience applying the competency in the workplace).
- Skilled (Successfully and regularly applied the competency in the workplace. Recognized by others as demonstrating ample knowledge and skills regarding the competency. Generally, this is achieved through 1 to 3 years of experience).
- Expert (Application of this competency is polished to excellence and is extensive in nature. Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills regarding this competency. Generally, this is achieved through 3 or more years of experience).
- None of the above
04
Which of the following best describes your experience assigning work and coaching staff.
- I have at least six (6) months of this experience.
- I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience.
- I have two (2) to three (3) years of this experience.
- I have three (3) to four (4) years of this experience.
- I have five (5) years or more of this experience.
- I have none of this experience.
05
Which of the following best describes your experience auditing Public Benefits Specialist problems, and practices of public welfare administration.
- I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience.
- I have three (3) to four (4) years of this experience.
- I have five (5) to six (6) years of this experience.
- I have seven (7) to eight (8) years of this experience.
- I have nine (9) to ten (10) years of this experience.
- I have MORE than ten (10) years of this experience.
- I have none of the above.
06
How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?
- Washington State's career website: www.careers.wa.gov
- Washington State Work Source office or website (Go2WorkSource.com)
- Washington State employee
- DCYF Recruiter
- College/university career fair or website
- Diversity network meeting/event
- Indeed
- ZipRecruiter
- Handshake
- Other
Required Question