Eligibility Worker (Public Benefit Specialist) McMinnville – Bilingual Spanish Preferred

State of Oregon•McMinnville, OR

1d•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! Imagine a future where navigating essential services like healthcare, food, and childcare support is seamless for every Oregonian. Welcome to the Oregon Eligibility Partnership, where equity meets efficiency in eligibility determination. Bilingual Preferred (Not Required)– English & Spanish You do not need to be bilingual to apply for this position. This position prefers bilingual language skills in English & Spanish to assist with a need in the communities that we serve. If you are bilingual, you will be tested for your speaking and writing bilingual language skills in English and Spanish. For those that qualify as bilingual (and have successfully passed the testing for proficiency) ODHS will pay a 5% Bilingual Language differential (base salary increase). Summary of Duties The Oregon Eligibility Partnership is a dedicated program that focuses on providing a coordinated service strategy that is designed to ensure the timely delivery of eligibility benefits for people who live in Oregon. Because many clients have multiple needs, the department is integrating equitable services, seeking to bring a broad range of supports within easy reach of each client or family. This approach, recognized as pioneering in the nation, requires close collaboration among staff within the department and with local governments, Tribes, service providers and other partners. The primary focus of this program is making eligibility determinations for medical programs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS) while following the principles of Oregonian focused, Customer Service, Equity and Inclusion, Standardization, and Efficiency. Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).

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 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 priorities.
Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles.
Good attendance pattern and appropriate use of accrued paid leave to ensure workload coverage for vacations and other leaves, as well as acceptable customer service for the Oregonians we serve.
Ability to interact with a wide range of people, including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions.
Ability to handle stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety of yourself and others.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with constantly evolving policies and procedures.
Ability to perform repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, and daily computer and technology use.
Ability to have work reviewed by leads, supervisors, Quality Assurance, audits, or through other quality activities such as reviewing information in ONE or phone calls with Oregonians.
Ability to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States within three days of hire.
Ability to pass a criminal history and background check.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish Preferred (Not Required)
Bilingual language skills in English & Spanish
If you are bilingual, you will be tested for your speaking and writing bilingual language skills in English and Spanish.
For those that qualify as bilingual (and have successfully passed the testing for proficiency) ODHS will pay a 5% Bilingual Language differential (base salary increase).

Responsibilities

Conduct interviews or review supplemental materials as needed to make eligibility determination for applicable ODHS programs.
Complete redetermination, periodic reviews, and change updates within federal timeframes and within appropriate intervals.
Ensure appropriate documentation and forms are completed and sent, information is captured correctly, and actions taken are notated.
Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants and send all required notifications within the appropriate timeframe.
In supporting Oregonians, provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.
Handle and protect sensitive and confidential information as well as Oregonian and agency data appropriately.