Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist)

State of Oregon•Eugene, OR

37d•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. Opportunity awaits! Looking for a rewarding career where you can work alongside a team of dedicated individuals to support Oregonians? This opportunity offers growth and the chance to positively impact lives. A Cover Letter is required. If you do not provide a Cover Letter, your application will be declined. As a Public Benefits Specialist / Benefit & Eligibility Worker, you will work in the Eugene (11th Ave), Oregon Branch assisting Oregonians in-person. This position is not eligible for remote work. Summary of Duties As a Benefit & Eligibility Worker . Public Benefits Specialist, you will: Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates to changes for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs. Interview applicants in person, by phone and via our online applicant portal to gather information needed to assess and determine if there is a need for services and benefits. Assess client family strengths and needs, connect families to other community resources and programs. Update narrative report summarizing new information from client and collateral sources, findings of home visit, and conclusions. Serve a diverse range of customers with compassion and professionalism through a trauma informed lens Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP). Minimum Qualifications Two years of experience working at the Public Benefit Specialist3 level for the State of Oregon; OR Three years of experience determining eligibility for an agency program (e.g., cash assistance, medical assistance, food stamps, etc.); OR An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND one year 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. Essential Attributes We are looking for candidates with: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to continued learning and the ability to promote a culture of equitable treatment, belonging, and commitment to fostering an anti-racist workplace. Detailed-Oriented/Organization skills: Experience completing tasks or projects timely in a fast-paced, high volume business setting and conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents for accuracy and follow up. Customer Service: Experience providing customer service in a professional environment to a high volume of diverse customers in a manner that demonstrates active listening and compassion. Communication: Experience explaining technical information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to individuals and groups who are unfamiliar with the subject and/or learn and communicate differently than you. Computer Skills: Demonstrated experience in using computers, web browsers, and programs such as Excel, Word, Outlook, etc., experience should include using multiple systems in tandem for research, tracking data and results. Active Listening: Experience demonstrating active listening; listening to understand, retain information and applying lessons-learned to varying environments and situations; welcoming constructive feedback and suggestions to strengthen work performance. Adaptability: Demonstrated capacity to adapt to changes in the work environment including but not limited to: policies, programs, tools, and priorities. Is able to welcome change as an ongoing reality in the work environment. Attention all candidates! Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history. A Cover Letter is required. If you do not provide a Cover Letter, your application will be declined. Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification. The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Requirements

Two years of experience working at the Public Benefit Specialist3 level for the State of Oregon; OR
Three years of experience determining eligibility for an agency program (e.g., cash assistance, medical assistance, food stamps, etc.); OR
An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND one year 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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to continued learning and the ability to promote a culture of equitable treatment, belonging, and commitment to fostering an anti-racist workplace.
Detailed-Oriented/Organization skills: Experience completing tasks or projects timely in a fast-paced, high volume business setting and conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents for accuracy and follow up.
Customer Service: Experience providing customer service in a professional environment to a high volume of diverse customers in a manner that demonstrates active listening and compassion.
Communication: Experience explaining technical information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to individuals and groups who are unfamiliar with the subject and/or learn and communicate differently than you.
Computer Skills: Demonstrated experience in using computers, web browsers, and programs such as Excel, Word, Outlook, etc., experience should include using multiple systems in tandem for research, tracking data and results.
Active Listening: Experience demonstrating active listening; listening to understand, retain information and applying lessons-learned to varying environments and situations; welcoming constructive feedback and suggestions to strengthen work performance.
Adaptability: Demonstrated capacity to adapt to changes in the work environment including but not limited to: policies, programs, tools, and priorities. Is able to welcome change as an ongoing reality in the work environment.

Responsibilities

Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates to changes for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs.
Interview applicants in person, by phone and via our online applicant portal to gather information needed to assess and determine if there is a need for services and benefits.
Assess client family strengths and needs, connect families to other community resources and programs.
Update narrative report summarizing new information from client and collateral sources, findings of home visit, and conclusions.
Serve a diverse range of customers with compassion and professionalism through a trauma informed lens