Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist), Bilingual Required: English/Spanish

State of Oregon•Sublimity, OR

46d•Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Bilingual Requirement: English/Spanish This position is bilingual and requires duties to be carried out in both English and Spanish. The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position. This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test. Opportunity awaits! Imagine being the lifeline for families in need, ensuring they receive the essential services that can transform their lives - This is the vital role of a Benefit & Eligibility Worker, where your commitment to fostering well-being and stability shapes the future of communities across the state. Summary of Duties As a Benefit & Eligibility worker you will: Determine Program Eligibility which includes; Conducting phone or in person interviews to gather household details, income, resources and other key information to assess their needs. Conduct collateral interviews or review supplemental materials as needed to make eligibility determination for applicable ODHS programs. Use relevant forms, computer systems, and tools to determine eligibility at intake, during benefit renewals, and when recipients report household changes. Explain applicant rights and responsibilities during the initial application interview and when benefits are changed and renewed. Process data in a timely manner to ensure delivery of benefits and services. Provide triage, information, and referrals to include: Work closely and collaboratively with Oregonians, other agencies, medical providers, and community partners to provide benefits, services, and information. In supporting Oregonians, provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.

Requirements

Bilingual in English and Spanish; The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position.
One year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist 1 level for the State of Oregon; OR
Two years of experience working with the public, providing assistance and interpreting and applying policies, rules or guidelines; OR
An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND six months of experience working with the public, providing assistance and interpreting and applying policies, rules, or guidelines; OR
Experience remaining adaptable and patient as priorities and business needs shift throughout the day.
Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
Experience collaborating and communicating effectively both verbally and in writing with customers, colleagues, and diverse communities.
Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment with frequently changing processes.
A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

Responsibilities

Determine Program Eligibility which includes; Conducting phone or in person interviews to gather household details, income, resources and other key information to assess their needs.
Conduct collateral interviews or review supplemental materials as needed to make eligibility determination for applicable ODHS programs.
Use relevant forms, computer systems, and tools to determine eligibility at intake, during benefit renewals, and when recipients report household changes.
Explain applicant rights and responsibilities during the initial application interview and when benefits are changed and renewed.
Process data in a timely manner to ensure delivery of benefits and services.
Work closely and collaboratively with Oregonians, other agencies, medical providers, and community partners to provide benefits, services, and information.
In supporting Oregonians, provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.