Benefits Specialist Jobs in Washington
Benefits Specialist jobs in Washington are in strong demand, with hiring concentrated in healthcare systems, technology companies, and large public-sector employers, and openings at every level from entry-level benefits coordinator through senior total rewards manager. Seattle, Bellevue, and Olympia are the primary hiring metros, anchored by established employers like Amazon, Boeing, and Providence Health. The most sought-after specialties in Washington are retirement plan administration, health and welfare benefits, and leave management under Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave program. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 4 of 14+ Benefits Specialist jobs
Description
DSHS ESA - Public Benefits Specialist 1-3
The Economic Services Administration (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) is hiring for multiple Public Benefits Specialist within our Statewide Customer Service Contact Center, with training provided to join their team. These exciting opportunities involve working in person and over the phone.
When you work for DSHS CSD, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians. This full-time career can be a gateway to a rewarding profession in public service. We look forward to welcoming dedicated people who meet the minimum requirements listed below and are eager to make a difference.
This position may be eligible for hybrid telework. In the beginning the incumbent will be in the office full time. After training is complete, and based on successful progression, the incumbent may be eligible for hybrid telework.
Those hired into the Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 training plan with ESA CSD can expect a minimum monthly salary of $4,517 (Range 43, Step G). This salary will increase as the employee successfully progresses in their training. Projected timelines and ranges for this progression are shown below.Salary Progression in Training Steps:
- Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,517.00 Step G – $5,111.00 Step L (6 months)
- Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,746.00 Step D – $5,506.00 Step L (6 months)
- Public Benefits Specialist 3: $5,240.00 Step E – $5,928.00 Step L
As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will help people applying for public assistance services through face-to-face interactions and over the phone. You'll determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews, obtaining information from individuals and third parties. You will also process applications received online and process all case actions using the appropriate computer programs.
Some of what you will do:
- Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and on-going eligibility determinations for Financial, Child Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs.
- Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.
- Gather and review data, applications, and verification for each benefit program as it relates to each person's circumstances.
- Process all applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements based on household income and size. Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs, as well as answer questions regarding benefits or available services to clients.
A career in public service can be demanding yet rewarding. Your customers come from diverse backgrounds and speak many languages. There is a lot to learn, and classroom training is a big part of the beginning. We'll be with you every step of the way.
We're looking for applicants who have the education and/or experience as listed below:
-
Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination such as examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims
(College education can substitute year-for-year for experience).
OR
One year of equivalent, out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs.
- Thrives in a standardized work setting.
- Is able to learn and utilize various computer programs.
- Can communicate effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, working with people who have communication challenges, assisting underserved populations, and discussing confidential and unpleasant options, in person and over the phone.
- Can work with complex technical regulations and procedures and analyze complex situations.
- Refrains from personal bias when determining eligibility. Prioritizes and performs multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions.
Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter and reference 06325.
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.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Description
DSHS ESA - Public Benefits Specialist 1-3
The Economic Services Administration (ESA) Community Service Division (CSD) is hiring for multiple Public Benefits Specialist within our Statewide Customer Service Contact Center, with training provided to join their team. These exciting opportunities involve working in person and over the phone.
When you work for DSHS CSD, your compassion shows at work every day, helping the lives of your fellow Washingtonians. This full-time career can be a gateway to a rewarding profession in public service. We look forward to welcoming dedicated people who meet the minimum requirements listed below and are eager to make a difference.
This position may be eligible for hybrid telework. In the beginning the incumbent will be in the office full time. After training is complete, and based on successful progression, the incumbent may be eligible for hybrid telework.
Those hired into the Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 training plan with ESA CSD can expect a minimum monthly salary of $4,517 (Range 43, Step G). This salary will increase as the employee successfully progresses in their training. Projected timelines and ranges for this progression are shown below.Salary Progression in Training Steps:
- Public Benefits Specialist 1: $4,517.00 Step G – $5,111.00 Step L (6 months)
- Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,746.00 Step D – $5,506.00 Step L (6 months)
- Public Benefits Specialist 3: $5,240.00 Step E – $5,928.00 Step L
As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will help people applying for public assistance services through face-to-face interactions and over the phone. You'll determine eligibility for all public assistance programs by conducting interviews, obtaining information from individuals and third parties. You will also process applications received online and process all case actions using the appropriate computer programs.
Some of what you will do:
- Using internal software, learn to process applications for initial and on-going eligibility determinations for Financial, Child Care, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs.
- Conduct intensive interviews and independently determine eligibility.
- Gather and review data, applications, and verification for each benefit program as it relates to each person's circumstances.
- Process all applications and case actions in accordance with federal and state requirements based on household income and size. Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs, as well as answer questions regarding benefits or available services to clients.
A career in public service can be demanding yet rewarding. Your customers come from diverse backgrounds and speak many languages. There is a lot to learn, and classroom training is a big part of the beginning. We'll be with you every step of the way.
We're looking for applicants who have the education and/or experience as listed below:
-
Four years in a customer service job where the major duties involved public contact or a job providing staff support in financial eligibility determination such as examining/processing loan applications, medical insurance or rehabilitation claims, or unemployment insurance claims
(College education can substitute year-for-year for experience).
OR
One year of equivalent, out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance to include financial, medical and food benefit programs.
- Thrives in a standardized work setting.
- Is able to learn and utilize various computer programs.
- Can communicate effectively with people in diverse or difficult situations, including calming others, working with people who have communication challenges, assisting underserved populations, and discussing confidential and unpleasant options, in person and over the phone.
- Can work with complex technical regulations and procedures and analyze complex situations.
- Refrains from personal bias when determining eligibility. Prioritizes and performs multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions.
Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter and reference 06325.
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.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
See All 14 Benefits Specialist Jobs in Washington
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Find Benefits Specialist JobsBenefits Specialist Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Benefits Specialist Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Government & Public Sector
- Retail
- Technology & Software
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in benefits specialist jobs across Washington.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field required
- Two or more years of benefits administration experience in a multi-state environment preferred
- Proficiency with HRIS platforms such as Workday, UKG, or SAP SuccessFactors strongly preferred
- Working knowledge of ERISA, ACA compliance, and Washington State Paid Family and Medical Leave regulations
- CEBS, PHR, or SHRM-CP certification recognized as a differentiator in competitive Washington applicant pools
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for employee education and open enrollment facilitation
Benefits Specialist Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a benefits specialist in Washington?
A bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field is the standard entry point for benefits specialist roles in Washington. There is no state-issued license required, but Washington employers increasingly expect familiarity with Washington-specific programs, including the state-administered Paid Family and Medical Leave system managed by the Employment Security Department. Earning a CEBS or SHRM-CP credential strengthens your candidacy and is commonly listed in Washington job postings.
How much do benefits specialists make in Washington?
Benefits specialists in Washington earn a median of about $86,630 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $60,750 for the lowest 10% to over $135,810 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire benefits specialists in Washington?
Employers hiring benefits specialists in Washington right now include State of Washington, AKIN, and Amazon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Washington's concentration of large technology headquarters, regional healthcare networks, and major public-sector employers makes it one of the more active states for ongoing benefits roles year-round.
Which Washington cities have the most benefits specialist jobs?
Seattle, Vancouver, and Spokane have the most benefits specialist openings in Washington. Seattle and Bellevue account for the majority of postings due to the density of corporate headquarters and large healthcare systems in the greater Puget Sound region, while Olympia's volume is driven by state government agencies and adjacent public institutions that maintain dedicated HR and benefits teams.
Are there remote benefits specialist jobs in Washington?
Yes, and more than many HR roles, because benefits administration is largely desk-based and systems-driven. About 83% of benefits specialist openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the field's strong fit for distributed work. Open enrollment support, vendor management, and leave administration are the functions most commonly performed fully remotely.
How can I get hired as a benefits specialist in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an HR coordinator or HR generalist role at a mid-size Washington employer, where benefits administration is one component of a broader HR function. Large Washington employers like Providence Health and Boeing run structured HR rotational or associate programs that accept recent graduates. A SHRM-CP credential or completed coursework in Washington State's Paid Family and Medical Leave compliance signals employer-ready knowledge and gives candidates without direct benefits experience a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to benefits specialist jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to benefits specialist jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and preferences, and apply directly to each position.
See All 14 Benefits Specialist Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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