Medical Assistance Specialist 5 (MAS5/ERB)

About the Department

Medical Assistance Specialist 5 (MAS5/ERB)

71089461

This position supervises a team of customer service staff providing support to Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program members and future enrollees. This position builds positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders and provides leadership and guidance to ensure their team meets customer service standards. If you are a strong communicator with a reliable performance track record, this may be the opportunity for you!

All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.

About the division:

The Employees and Retirees Benefits (ERB) Division within HCA is comprised of two programs (PEBB and SEBB) with an overall spending budget of almost $5 billion dollars for over 725,000 covered lives. The PEBB program provides insurance coverage and administers benefits for eligible employees of state agencies, higher-education institutions, employer groups, and their dependents. The PEB Board also offers Retiree and other continuation of coverage benefits such as COBRA for those who meet state eligibility and procedural requirements. The SEBB Program provides coverage for eligible employees of K-12 schools, Educational Service Districts, charter schools, and their dependents.

About the position:

This MAS5 position aligns with the HCA mission and Governor's health care priorities by providing support and direction in the delivery of quality customer service to PEBB and SEBB Program members, including retirees, continuation coverage, and K-12. This role supervises 10 FTEs: nine MAS3 staff and one MAS4 lead staff, providing leadership, mentoring, and direction to staff to ensure they meet ERB Division customer service performance standards and work expectations. This role also interacts with health plan representatives, HCA representatives, direct reports, peers, managers, and other cross divisional staff for completion of accurate and timely PEBB and SEBB Programs eligibility and enrollment determinations. 

This position is eligible to telework but is frequently required to report on-site to meet business need.The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location. 

Position Duties

Some of what you will do:

• Supervise ten full-time employees: nine MAS3 and one MAS4 lead worker. 
• Plan and monitor staff activities and performance measures.
• Direct and oversee staff work related to benefits accounts, assisting members by phone, document processing, and lobby services.
• Provide assistance and guidance to staff, as well as internal and external stakeholders on complex eligibility and enrollment issues, data processing, and application of state and federal policies and procedures utilizing various databases and systems.
• Coordinate personnel issues for recruitment, selection, and appointment.
• Create, revise, and maintain staff position description forms. Align staff positions and duties within their job classifications.
• Conduct employee performance evaluations and document staff performance.
• Provide support, guidance, training, and feedback to ERB Division Benefits Accounts Customer Service staff and other division staff regarding complex eligibility and/or enrollment issues. 
• Set clear expectations, work plan goals, and assignments.
• Mentor and provide leadership for staff growth.
• Conduct weekly staff huddles, regular team staff meetings, and regular 1:1 meetings with staff to review and discuss their performance and expectations. 
• Process leave requests and Time Attendance Records within the designated timelines. 
• Coordinate work activities, training, and resource development and maintenance for staff with the Accuracy and Internal Training Unit and the ERB schedulers.
• Lead and participate in ERB projects; suggest, develop, and conduct process improvement activities that impact the Customer Service Unit.

Minimum Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1: 

• Bachelor’s degree and 
• Four (4) years of experience in one or a combination of the following areas: 
  • providing direct client services or counseling of customers in the areas of health insurance, disability, or other related health benefits; 
  • public assistance eligibility determination; 
  • health insurance premiums/claims process, adjusting, and investigation; or 
  • other medical premiums/claims related experience 

Option 2:

• Associate degree and 
• Six (6) years of experience in one or a combination of the areas described above.

Option 3: 

• Eight (8) years of experience in one or a combination of the areas described above.

Option 4:  

• One (1) year as a Medical Assistance Specialist 4.

Option 5:  

• Two (2) years as a Medical Assistance Specialist 3.

Required competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of agency and state rules regarding the Public Employees Benefits Board or School Employees Benefits Board programs. 
• Principles of employee development, effective supervision, and public relations. 
• Basic principles of administration, personnel management and organization. 
• Familiarity with the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement and WAC rules for represented staff. 
• Demonstrated supervisory experience and ability to plan, supervise staff, and direct work; make valid work decisions regarding complex eligibility determinations, inquiries and policy matters; use tact and diplomacy in correspondence or direct contact with internal or external stakeholders; conduct staff meetings, train, and instruct other; evaluate performance and develop employee potential.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach in separate files:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
• Current resume 

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter. 
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov. 

Other Qualifications

About HCA: 

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby. 
• And free parking! 

Notes:

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.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at [email protected]. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Jake Nelko at 360-725-0945 or [email protected].

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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Benefits

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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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
Parental Leave
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

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov