H-1B Visa Benefits Specialist Jobs
Benefits Specialists manage employee compensation programs that require specialized knowledge in compensation and benefits administration, a role USCIS consistently recognizes as a specialty occupation. Employers in HR-intensive industries actively sponsor H-1B visas for qualified candidates, making this a strong pathway for international professionals with relevant degrees.
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DSHS ESA Public Benefits Specialist 1-3
Economic Services Administration Community Service Division has an exciting entry-level position as a Public Benefits Specialist, with training provided. This role involves working on-site at our Wenatchee Community Services Office (CSO). When you work for us, 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.
Those hired into the Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 training plan with ESA CSD can expect a minimum monthly salary of $4,428 (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: $4,428.00 Step G – $5,011.00 Step L (6 months)
- Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,653.00 Step F – $5,398.00 Step L (6 months)
- Public Benefits Specialist 3: $5,137.00 Step G – $5,812.00 Step L
We look forward to welcoming dedicated people who meet the minimum requirements listed below and are eager to make a difference.
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 ongoing 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.
How you'll grow:
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.
We would like to hire someone who:
- 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.
Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!
Include the following in your applications:
- Cover Letter
- 3 Professional References
- Resume
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 saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition (360) 725-5810 and reference project number 04923.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will 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
Economic Services Administration Community Service Division has an exciting entry-level position as a Public Benefits Specialist, with training provided. This role involves working on-site at our Wenatchee Community Services Office (CSO). When you work for us, 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.
Those hired into the Public Benefits Specialist 1-3 training plan with ESA CSD can expect a minimum monthly salary of $4,428 (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: $4,428.00 Step G – $5,011.00 Step L (6 months)
- Public Benefits Specialist 2: $4,653.00 Step F – $5,398.00 Step L (6 months)
- Public Benefits Specialist 3: $5,137.00 Step G – $5,812.00 Step L
We look forward to welcoming dedicated people who meet the minimum requirements listed below and are eager to make a difference.
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 ongoing 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.
How you'll grow:
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.
We would like to hire someone who:
- 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.
Ready to start a rewarding career? Apply today!
Include the following in your applications:
- Cover Letter
- 3 Professional References
- Resume
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 saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition (360) 725-5810 and reference project number 04923.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will 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 164+ H-1B Visa Benefits Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Benefits Specialist
Verify your degree field supports specialty occupation
USCIS requires a direct relationship between your degree and the Benefits Specialist role. Degrees in human resources, business administration, or organizational management are the strongest fit. A general business degree without HR coursework can trigger a Request for Evidence.
Use OFLC Wage Search before salary negotiations
Look up the prevailing wage for Benefits Specialist under SOC code 13-1141 in your target metro before any offer discussion. Your employer must certify this wage on the LCA, so knowing Level I through Level IV ranges prevents surprises after the offer is signed.
Target employers with self-administered benefits programs
Large employers who manage health, retirement, and leave programs in-house rather than fully outsourcing to third-party administrators file more H-1B petitions for Benefits Specialists. Focus your search on companies with 500-plus employees that list internal HR operations roles regularly.
Search Migrate Mate for verified H-1B sponsors
Filter your job search by employers with confirmed H-1B LCA filing history in HR and compensation roles. Migrate Mate surfaces this DOL data by occupation code, so you can target companies that have already cleared the specialty occupation bar for Benefits Specialists.
Get your offer letter before the March registration window
H-1B cap registration opens in March each year. Your employer needs a confirmed offer letter and your credentials verified before submitting your registration. Benefits roles often involve internal approval chains, so start employer conversations no later than January to avoid missing the window.
Confirm your employer's E-Verify enrollment before accepting
Some Benefits Specialist roles are at companies that have never sponsored an H-1B and aren't enrolled in E-Verify. USCIS requires E-Verify enrollment for cap-subject petitions filed under certain programs. Ask HR directly before investing time in their hiring process.
H-1B Visa Benefits Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Benefits Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS evaluates whether the role normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Benefits Specialists working in compensation analysis, ERISA compliance, or benefits plan design typically meet this standard. Roles that are more administrative, such as data entry or enrollment support, can face higher scrutiny and are more likely to receive a Request for Evidence.
Which degree fields satisfy the H-1B specialty occupation requirement for this role?
Human resources, business administration, organizational management, and industrial-organizational psychology are the most accepted fields. USCIS looks for a direct and logical connection between your degree and the specific duties listed in the job description. If your degree is in an unrelated field, your employer's attorney will need to build a stronger evidentiary record, including expert opinion letters and industry norms documentation.
How do I find Benefits Specialist jobs where the employer has H-1B sponsorship experience?
Search on Migrate Mate, which filters employers by verified H-1B LCA filing history in HR and compensation occupations. Companies that have filed Labor Condition Applications for Benefits Specialists before are far less likely to withdraw sponsorship mid-process due to unfamiliarity with the requirements. First-time sponsors can still work, but expect longer internal approval timelines.
What SOC code is used for Benefits Specialists on the LCA, and why does it matter?
Most employers file under SOC code 13-1141, Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists. This code determines the prevailing wage your employer must certify on the LCA. You can verify current wage levels for your specific metro area using the OFLC Wage Search tool. If the employer assigns the wrong SOC code, it can create wage compliance issues that surface during audits or green card sponsorship later.
Can my employer sponsor my H-1B while I'm in the U.S. on OPT as a Benefits Specialist?
Yes. If your OPT is still valid and your employer files your H-1B petition before October 1 of the fiscal year, the cap-gap rule extends your OPT authorization automatically while your petition is pending. You can continue working throughout this period. If you're on STEM OPT, you have additional runway, but your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, which is also required for cap-subject H-1B filings.