The ideal candidate will have critical thinking skills, insightful ability for decision-making, can work independently, in a group setting, and/or a virtual environment, while being comfortable with evolving technology. They will be able to adapt to varying directives, have keen attention to detail, and will be able to maintain professionalism while handling sensitive and confidential information
As an ES Benefits Specialist (in-training), you willdisplay empathy, compassion, and resourcefulness while providing excellent service to both internal and external customers. Daily duties may include reviewing and analyzing information obtained through source documents and client/customer interviews to determine eligibility, making adjudicative decisions, and ensuring compliance with the Paid Family & Medical Leave standards. You will serve as the face of the program including adjudicating benefit claims, explaining program requirements and services, aiding in premium collection and education to support the agency's mission, vision, and objectives. This is a full-time/permanent position which is 100% telework.
What a typical day looks like:
- Initiate, receive and respond to routine and complex correspondence and inquiries from claimants and/or their representatives, employers, other public programs, and healthcare providers.
- Ensure that limited English proficient customers receive translated correspondence and due process in their preferred language via phone, email, secure message and/or letter by state certified dual language specialists or contracted translators and interpreters.
- Process weekly claims and identify need for corrections or adjustments to ensure timely and accurate payment of benefits.
- Report potential underpayment or overpayment of benefits when applicable.
- Assist employers with inquiries regarding the Paid Family and Medical Leave program including (but not limited to) premium reporting requirements and registration of their business.
- Assist claimants with the process of applying for Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits.
- Report potential fraud per compliance regulations.
- Process all case actions in accordance with RCW, WAC and ESD's established policies and procedures.
This is an in-training position advancing after successful completion of the in-training plan, which includes, on-the-job and classroom training.
Salaries for these levels are:
- Benefit Specialist In-Training - $46,596 - $62,568 Annually
- Benefit Specialist 2 - $51,384 - $69,072 Annually
The qualified candidate will have one (1) or more of the following experiences and/or education such as experience examining and/or processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, insurance claims, collection of insurance premiums, tax collection or providing staff support in financial eligibility determination.
A combination of education and/or related experience as noted above equivalent to five (5) years.
OR: One (1) year of experience equivalent to the PFML Benefits Specialist with another state that administers a paid family medical leave program.
Education to Experience Equivalences:
Associate Degree = 2 years | Bachelor's Degree = 4 years | Master's = 5 years
Additional Requirement of Employment:
- Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claim & Benefit Information Review.
Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy.
Attach your Resume and Cover Letter with yourOnline Application through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.
Ouragency's mission and valuesdrive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key, that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value and trust our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.Attach your Resume and Cover Letter with yourOnline Application through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.
Opportunity for All
We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Jeanette Nelson or 564-200-2475 the Talent Acquisition Team, or Washington Relay Service 711. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960.**This organization participates in E-Verify** Employment Type: Full Time - Permanent