LCD-ES Benefits Specialist 2 (In-Training) DUAL LANGUAGE/Telework

Candidate Overview The ideal candidate will have critical thinking skills, an insightful ability for decision‐making, and be able to work independently, in a group setting, or in a virtual environment. They must be comfortable with evolving technology, adapt to varying directives, pay keen attention to detail, and maintain professionalism while handling sensitive and confidential information. Position Summary As an ES Benefits Specialist, you will provide empathy, compassion, and resourcefulness while delivering excellent service to internal and external customers. Daily duties include reviewing and analyzing information from source documents and client/customer interviews to determine eligibility, making adjudicative decisions, and ensuring compliance with Paid Family & Medical Leave standards. You will verify employers’ financial records and beneficiaries’ medical documentation, deliver world‑class customer care via phone and email, and ensure equitable access to program services. NOTE: This dual‑language position requires effective communication in Spanish (personally, by telephone, and in writing). This position is primarily remote, although occasional travel to the nearest regional office may be required. The anticipated start date is March 16, 2026. Training & Advancement The role is in‑training; upon successful completion of the in‑training plan (on‑the‑job and classroom training) you will advance to the next level. Responsibilities • Process and adjudicate routine and complex Paid Family and Medical Leave claims. • Review wage and hour data, identity verification, and medical certifications to determine eligibility. • Conduct fact‑finding for additional documentation and supporting evidence. • Process weekly claims and correct or adjust records to ensure timely, accurate benefit payments. • Adjudicate both monetary and non‑monetary benefit redeterminations. • Provide excellent customer service for a high volume of communications via phone, secure messaging, and email. • Initiate and respond to correspondence from claimants, employers, public programs, and healthcare providers. Salary • Benefit Specialist In‑Training: $49,428 – $66,372 Annually • Benefit Specialist 2: $54,504 – $73,284 Annually Qualifications Qualifying candidates meet one of the following criteria: • Option 1: Five (5) years of equivalent education/experience. • Option 2: One (1) year as an ES Benefit Specialist 1. • Option 3: One (1) year of experience equivalent to the ES Benefits Specialist 1 with another state administering insurance benefits programs. • Option 4: Associate’s Degree in health, social science, public administration or related field plus three (3) years of required experience. • Option 5: Bachelor’s Degree in health, social science, public administration or related field plus one (1) year of required experience. Required experience includes: • Claims Processing and Adjudication – skill in processing and adjudicating claims. • Documentation and Verification – ability to document and verify benefit requests. • Fact‑Finding and Advising – ability to gather facts and advise on rights and responsibilities. • Legal Compliance and Decision Making – ability to make decisions based on laws and policies. • Program Knowledge and Communication – ability to explain program requirements and services. • Problem Resolution and Communication – skill in resolving issues and communicating outcomes. • Adaptability, Versatility, and Task Management – ability to perform various tasks as needed, including lower‑level positions. Equity Competencies • The ability to take action to learn and grow. • The ability to take action to meet the needs of others. Education‑to‑Experience Equivalences Associate degree = 2 years | Bachelor’s degree = 4 years | Master’s = 5 years Additional Employment Requirements Must pass Unemployment Insurance (UI) & Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check. Application Process Please submit only the required documents: Cover Letter, three professional references, and Resume, via the Online Application. Ensure all personal identifying information, such as Social Security numbers, is removed from your materials. Applications missing required information or with incomplete responses will be considered incomplete. Only completed applications will be considered. To request a PDF of the full duties, “PDF Request” link was originally provided but is omitted here for clarity. Legal & Equal Opportunity Statements We are an equal opportunity employer/program. Attempts are made to provide accommodations to individuals with disabilities upon request. Candidates requiring assistance in the application process or an alternate format may contact desired contacts listed below. Contact: Cheyenne Pernites, 253‑593‑7327 or the Talent Acquisition Team. Washington Relay Service: 711. For assistance, you may also reach careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664‑1960 / toll free (877) 664‑1960. Our mission and values align: Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We value diversity in all aspects, including culture, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, and veteran status. All are encouraged to apply. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job