Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) | Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged

State of Oregon • Pendleton, OR

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) Pendleton team is seeking a talented individual who has experience interviewing applicants to determine eligibility for programs and services through a trauma informed lens. This is a meaningful career that serves Oregon’s most vulnerable community members. The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is a program within ODHS that determines eligibility for people living in Oregon who apply for medical, food, cash and childcare benefits through the ONE eligibility system. OEP plays a critical part in the eligibility process that moves beyond integration and equality, focusing on equity of services and providing timely, accurate, and necessary eligibility determinations through a person-centered approach.

Requirements

• 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 An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.
• Experience working in a social/human services setting, interviewing to obtain information in person and over the phone.
• Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents & using basic mathematics in a work environment.
• Experience creating and maintaining written documentation of interactions with clients.
• Experience communicating decisions, rules, regulations, policies and procedures to clients or customers.
• Experience providing trauma informed customer service to community members who have historically been marginalized, underserved, in crisis, or disadvantaged.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in Spanish and English (preference may be given to candidates who are bilingual).

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants in-person and by phone to gather and assess information for benefits we administer, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Long Term Care (LTC) services, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), and various Medicaid (Health insurance) programs.
• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.
• Assist customers in-person and over the phone who are receiving or applying for benefits.
• Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants.
• Provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.
• Be responsible for accurate and timely eligibility determinations.
• Create a work environment where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated and valued.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and ongoing education of cultural awareness.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Amazing benefits package .
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree