Esa Supervisors Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $4,746.00 - $6,384.00 Monthly
Location : Pierce County - Lakewood, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-07134
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: ESA
Opening Date: 09/08/2026
Closing Date: 9/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 4-Lead
The (DSHS), (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD) is looking for a permanent, full-time Public Benefits Specialist 4 to work at the Lakewood Community Services Office (CSO).
This position serves as a Lead worker by assisting the supervisor in the management of the PBS staff inside the Lakewood CSO. The lead worker provides, coaching, timely onsite assistance, and focus training. The lead worker ensures that current eligibility information and training be communicated with staff to ensure services are provided to the public timely and accurately. The lead worker often times serves as a lead worker office wide for WPS and SSS staff, though they assigned to a financial unit. In addition to the above duties, the lead worker also serves as the supervisor in the supervisor's absence and monitors necessary leave, appropriation of staff throughout the day, and overall unit performance. This position also requires a high level of confidentiality and is an extension of management and their goals, vision, culture, and leadership.
Pierce County employees are eligible toreceive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
See why people like you chose careers with DSHS:
Some of what you will do:

• Assign, audit, and review work of financial staff, including analyzing case actions for accuracy, and determining any unit or office trends
• Conduct trainings and act as a job coach
• Establish reports and recommendations to supervisor on staff progress and any additional staff training needed
• Perform complex duties in relation to financial eligibility and rule interpretation
• Monitor lobby traffic, performance goals, and staff movement to supply ample coverage in all areas
• Act as unit supervisor in absence of the supervisor, including attending meetings in the CSO, community, or around the state if necessary, which may require overnight travel
• Be a liaison between staff, supervisors, and management and communicate any concerns with management
• Supporting the Culture of Respect at all times while on the floor or communicating with staff from across the state
• Develop effective working relationships with key community organizations
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing with management, peers, direct staff, clients, and the public
• Other duties as assigned

What we're looking for:

• Subject Matter Expert in determining eligibility for state issues programs such as: Basic Food, TANF, AREN, DCA, CEAP, ABD/HEN, Medical, and Refugee Medical
• Ability to assist others in interpretation and analysis of data, make independent decisions, assist in supervision of staff, and train staff
• Ability to have effective feedback sessions with Supervisor and with staff when called upon
• An acceptance of having work/audits discussed or challenged by management and staff
• Proficiency in computer programs in use by the Community Service Division
• Experience interviewing individuals regarding sensitive personal and financial matters
• Willingness to actively participate in career development for all staff
• Outstanding organizational, leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to inspire, support, motivate and lead others to achieve successful results.
• Ability to change direction and focus on a moment's notice without limited direction or supervision
• Ability to work not only within your own unit but assist others in the office, as well as integrating into the existing lead team within the office

Who should apply?
Twelve 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
5 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 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.
Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical an food benefit programs will be considered toward experience.
NOTE: Additional professional experience described above will substitute year for year for the required education.
Interested? Apply today!
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
Questions? Please contact or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference job number #07134.
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.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
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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: