Per Capita-Representative Payee Specialist

Open:                  April 24, 2026                           Close:                May 8, 2026 Job Title:          Representative Payee Specialist   Department: Per capita Reports To:      Director                                    Hours:                40 Hrs/Wk – Full Time Salary:               Based on Salary Matrix+Benefits                    Requisition:      878                   *Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information, call (253)573-7863 or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave.                                          Position Summary:  Responsible for working in collaboration with the most vulnerable members of the Puyallup Tribe to provide assistance to manage monthly payments on behalf of the Tribal Member beneficiary.  The Representative Payee Specialist is responsible for meeting with and knowing the needs of the beneficiary, and acting in the best interests of the beneficiary to ensure that benefits received from the Tribe are used for the beneficiary’s current and/or future needs.   Essential Duties and Responsibilities             Must be thoroughly knowledgeable with, and follow the Representative Payment Program as described in the Tribal Code.  Must use any payments received on behalf of the beneficiary for his/her current needs and save the remainder for the beneficiary’s future use. Responsible for setting up and maintaining separate bank accounts for each beneficiary in the beneficiary’s name.  The Representative Payee Specialist has a fiduciary responsibility for the funds and stands as an appointed representative payee by the Representative Payee Program. Prepares court reports for all court ordered clients. Keeps log of detailed information pertaining to each client, as to assist in preparing court reports. Appears at court hearings in order to provide oral updates when necessary. Assist the beneficiary to find other services he or she needs, including filling out applications, seeking medical care when necessary, or finding caregivers or caseworkers as needed.  Also recommends an alternative person or agency if the Representative Payee Specialist can no longer serve the beneficiary. Coordinates with entities/services outside of the Tribe to meet client needs. Maintains correspondence with incarcerated clients, places orders on behalf of incarcerated clients, and works with incarcerated clients to pay off fines, regain driver’s license, housing, etc. Maintains regular contact with client as best practice for client well-being, may require after hour contact depending on the circumstances. Provides regular check ins with clients experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental health issues, etc. Provides crisis intervention to clients in extreme circumstances and networks with the appropriate entities to arrange for continued care for clients. Responsible for giving copies of receipts to the beneficiary on monthly expenses paid by the Representative Payee Specialist on behalf of the beneficiary. Must keep an accounting record showing expenditures, including receipts, on a monthly basis with the Representative Payee Program. Must maintain confidentiality at all times. Must meet regularly with the beneficiary, preferably on a face-to-face basis to establish a budget and involve him/her as much as possible in financial decisions.  Independently make decisions that align with Tribal Code/Department Procedures in urgent situations. Works closely with beneficiary to explain tribal membership benefits and explain the beneficiary’s expenses to him/her. Assist the beneficiary when he/she is negotiating with landlords, or others, in order to assure that the beneficiary gets the best possible outcomes in terms of rates, costs, etc. Assist the beneficiary with filing tax returns, etc. Must file a monthly report of receipts and expenditures for and on behalf of the beneficiary, including an annual report.  Reports must be filed timely. Notify the Representative Payee Program when the tribal member beneficiary dies or leaves the payee’s care. Return conserved funds to the Representative Payment Program. Responsible for training Payee Level I and Level II. Provides oversight to the Representative Payees in the absence of the Director/Assistant Director. Will at times audit Payee Level I and Level II files to make sure all files are updated and funds are reconciled. Performs other duties as necessary or assigned. supervisory Responsibilities may serve as a resource to others within the department and may occasionally act as supervisor when the supervisor is unavailable. Qualifications and Requirements To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and/or Experience Associates Degree in Social Services or a related field and four years of related experience as a Representative Payee, including previous experience in performing case aide support work in a Native American community; Or satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience.  Intermediate knowledge of word processing and database programs is required (Word, Excel and Access). Must be able to accurately use the computer to produce word processing, spreadsheets and database documents as required by Supervisor.  Use of Ceridian or ADP is preferred. Other:  The following skills, knowledge and abilities must be demonstrated: Customer Service skills; ability to work with the public Organizational skills Motivation/Ability to take Initiative Time Management skills Adaptability, Flexibility Willingness and positive attitude to learn new skills Strict Confidentiality   Language Skills Ability to read, analyze, and interpret governmental regulations and those documents for which the beneficiary may need assistance. Ability to write reports and business correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from beneficiary, his/her family, Tribal representatives and those individuals/businesses doing business with the beneficiary. Mathematical Skills Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume.  Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Other Skills and Qualifications ·         Must be flexible, a team player, and able to deal with stressful situations. Must be willing to cross-       train with other positions within the department in order to provide team support and no              interruption of services to the community. Must be friendly, courteous and tactful. Must be dependable and have an ability to keep track of various tasks. Must be able to attend trainings as required by supervisor. Must be able to successfully pass a background check prior to hire, and periodically throughout employment thereafter. Must have and maintain a valid and driver’s license and proof of insurance.  Driver’s License must not contain any restrictions that would otherwise prevent the employee from driving a GSA vehicle.  Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to sit.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.   Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is performed in an office setting. May occasionally be required to travel for work. May be exposed to stressful working conditions in order to meet tight deadlines. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.   Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law Online Application Tips: 1.         If you are using a PC, use Chrome. If you are using a MAC, use Safari. 2.         Upload additional documents (resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation, proof of Indian blood, etc.) to the resume tab as one (1) PDF file or email documents to jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov and we can add them to your online application. Please send in copies of any degrees or certificates that you have been awarded. 3.         Indian Hiring Preference – send in the appropriate documentation for the category you select. If you have any questions about the hiring preference policy or what document to send in, email us at jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov or call (253) 573-7863. 4.         Provide 3+ references (we cannot obtain references from direct family members – mother, father, grandparents, sisters, brothers, or children and this includes in laws). One reference must be your most recent supervisor. We prefer the rest of your references to include co-workers, subordinates, or other supervisors, but we can accept a personal reference from someone who is familiar with your work ethic, habits, and attendance. You can send in letters of recommendation to jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov 5.         To add more employment, education, references, etc., click on the small + sign at the top right corner of the page. 6.         When entering salaries, only use numbers. Do not use any other characters (such as , . or $) 7.         After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive an email, please call the office to confirm submission. *Please do not wear perfumes, colognes, or strong scents to your interview. Some employees are allergic. If you have any questions about the positions or the online application, please call (253) 573-7863 or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov. 3001 Puyalupabsh, Tacoma, WA 98404