Job Details
ES Benefits Specialist 1: Shared Work/Virtual
2026-01-15 State of Washington all cities,AK
Description:
Qualifications
The required experience includes:
Preferred equity competencies:
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. Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.
Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume with your Online 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.
Supplemental Information
Our drive 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.
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 or at 253-###-#### or the , prior to the position closing. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact or (360) ###-#### or toll free (877) ###-####, Washington Relay 711.
This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.
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: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Are you a current or former Washington State government employee?
02
Have you attached your cover letter and resume to your application? Please ensure both documents are included as they are crucial for the evaluation process.
03
What kind of experience do you bring to this position?
04
Please describe your experience listed in the above question.
05
Which of these required competencies do you have experience in?
06
Please describe your experience listed in the above question.
07
ESD How did you hear about this job opportunity?
Required Question
Salary : $49,428.00 - $66,372.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Agency Internal - Permanent
Remote Employment: Remote Optional
Job Number: 2026-00060
Department: Employment Security Department
Division: Unemployment Insurance
Opening Date: 01/08/2026
Closing Date: 1/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
This position is open to internal Employment Security Department employees only.
The ideal candidate for the ES Benefits Specialist 1 - Shared Work role is someone who is deeply committed to the Employment Security Department's mission of ensuring equitable access to programs that strengthen Washington's economic stability. They bring a strong sense of purpose to their work, understanding how vital the Shared Work program and Unemployment Insurance services are to both employers and workers. This candidate approaches every interaction with professionalism, empathy, and a dedication to helping individuals navigate complex systems with confidence.
This candidate excels in environments where accuracy, timeliness, and fairness are essential. They are skilled at managing a wide range of UI claim types, including the most complex intake work, and consistently delivers high-quality service that upholds program integrity. They are comfortable providing direct customer support, answering questions with clarity, and guiding customers through processes in a way that ensures equitable access for all. Their communication style is patient, respectful, and solutions-oriented. Beyond day-to-day customer support, this candidate is adaptable and eager to contribute to broader team goals.
They are enthusiastic about participating in training, taking on special projects, and supporting assignments that strengthen the Shared Work program and UI services as a whole. They thrive in collaborative environments, embrace continuous learning, and bring a mindset focused on service, accountability, and positive impact. Ultimately, the ideal candidate is someone who takes pride in helping Washington's workforce and employers maintain stability during times of change.
Duties
Provide direct customer support for Shared Work Unemployment Insurance services for all claim types. This includes:
- Provide excellent customer service on a large volume of inbound and outbound customers contacts via phone, email, chat, or other media in a timely and accurate manner
- Identify customers' needs, clarify information, research issues, and provide solutions in a professional, courteous, and timely manner.
- Resolve complex problems by clarifying issues; researching and exploring answers and alternative solutions; implementing solutions; escalating unresolved problems and communicating results to the customer and/or employer.
- Perform updates to claimant unemployment insurance accounts including PIN resets, address changes, and employer updates
- Respond to web notices both claimant and employer timely
- Process Shared Work paper and internet unemployment insurance applications and weekly benefits claims
- Attend training, unit meetings, and all staff meetings
- Complete special projects and assignments
- Provide assistance and/or back up to fellow employees as needed and/or directed
Qualifications
- 4 years of equivalent education/experience as described below
- OR 4 years of 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
- OR A bachelor's degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field.
- The ability to take action to learn and grow
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others
The required experience includes:
- Program Knowledge & Communication: Ability to explain program requirements and services.
- Claim Filing Assistance: Ability to guide claimants through the benefit claim process
- Claims Review & Documentation: Ability to review claims and obtain necessary documentation
- Data Clarification & Payment Correction: Ability to detect discrepancies and correct payments
- Claims Processing & Adjudication: Skill in processing and adjudicating claims
- Eligibility Determination & Case Management: Skill in evaluating eligibility and managing cases
- Problem Resolution & Communication: Skill in resolving issues and communicating outcomes
- Adaptability & Versatility: Ability to perform various tasks as needed
Preferred equity competencies:
- The ability to take action to learn and grow
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others
- Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical and Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.
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. Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.
Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume with your Online 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.
Supplemental Information
Our drive 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.
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 or at 253-###-#### or the , prior to the position closing. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact or (360) ###-#### or toll free (877) ###-####, Washington Relay 711.
This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.
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: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Are you a current or former Washington State government employee?
- Yes
- No
02
Have you attached your cover letter and resume to your application? Please ensure both documents are included as they are crucial for the evaluation process.
- Yes
- No
03
What kind of experience do you bring to this position?
- 4 years of equivalent education/experience as detailed in the competencies in question 5.
- 4 years of 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 bachelor's degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field.
- Other
- None of the above
04
Please describe your experience listed in the above question.
05
Which of these required competencies do you have experience in?
- Program Knowledge & Communication: Ability to explain program requirements and services.
- Claim Filing Assistance: Ability to guide claimants through the benefit claim process.
- Claims Review & Documentation: Ability to review claims and obtain necessary documentation.
- Data Clarification & Payment Correction: Ability to detect discrepancies and correct payments.
- Claims Processing & Adjudication: Skill in processing and adjudicating claims.
- Eligibility Determination & Case Management: Skill in evaluating eligibility and managing cases.
- Problem Resolution & Communication: Skill in resolving issues and communicating outcomes.
- Adaptability & Versatility: Ability to perform various tasks as needed.
- None of the above
06
Please describe your experience listed in the above question.
07
ESD How did you hear about this job opportunity?
- WWW.Careers.Wa.Gov
- WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
- Washington State Employee Referral
- ESD Employee Referral
- Employment Security Department's job web page: WWW.Esd.Wa.Gov
- Monster
- College/university career fair or website
- VERG
- Craigslist
- CareerBuilder
- Diversity Jobs
- Handshake
- Other
Required Question