Solomon Askanaw
Kent,WA
Summary
Results-oriented Benefits and Public Services Specialist holding an MBA in Finance and a BBA in Applied Economics. Demonstrates proficiency in team supervision, adeptly resolving intricate employer-employee challenges, ensuring adherence to state and federal regulations, and enhancing operational processes. Expertise in policy interpretation, equity-driven leadership strategies, and servant leadership methodologies.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Employment Benefits Specialist II
Washington State Employment Security Department
Olympia, Washington
05.2023 - Current
- Process and adjudicate routine and complex Paid Family and Medical Leave claims, reviewing wage, identity, and medical documents for eligibility.
- Fact-find and follow up for supporting documentation, ensuring accurate benefit payments, and compliance with RCW, WAC, and departmental policy.
- Lead and mentor staff on claims processing, employer/employee support, policy interpretation, and performance expectations.
- Co-lead initiatives to develop educational presentations on Paid Leave benefits for WorkSource staff and the public.
- Active participant in BEING and BUILD to foster equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, reducing employer and employee account backlog, and improving service delivery.
Public Benefits Specialist II
DSHS Dept. Of Social And Health Services
Belleview, WA
06.2022 - 05.2023
- Determined eligibility for financial, medical, food, and long-term care programs, applying RCW, WAC, and federal guidelines.
- Conducted case reviews, audits, and compliance corrections to maintain program integrity.
- Collaborated with case managers to align benefits with client needs, ensuring equitable and timely outcomes.
- Assisted in HR processes, including limited recruitment support, onboarding, and leave approvals.
Unemployment Insurance Specialist
Washington State Employment Security Department
Olympia, Washington
07.2021 - 02.2022
- Interpreted complex policies and laws for claimants and employers during UI processes.
Guided claimants and employers through intricate UI procedures, ensuring compliance with regulations. - Conducted eligibility interviews, verified wages and hours, and resolved disputed claims.
- Reviewed documentation for compliance, ensuring accurate and timely unemployment benefit payments.
- Provided customer support for high-volume inquiries via phone, secure messaging, and email.
Education
MBA - Finance
La Sierra University
Riverside, CA06-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Economics
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA06-2011
Skills
- Policy interpretation and compliance
- Lean process improvement
- Performance metrics and reporting
- Account management
- Tax adjustments and refunds
- Strategic problem solving
- Stakeholder engagement
- Legislative application
- Program implementation
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Team culture management
Timeline
Employment Benefits Specialist II
Washington State Employment Security Department
05.2023 - Current
Public Benefits Specialist II
DSHS Dept. Of Social And Health Services
06.2022 - 05.2023
Unemployment Insurance Specialist
Washington State Employment Security Department
07.2021 - 02.2022
MBA - Finance
La Sierra University
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Economics
Eastern Washington University