Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) English/Chuukese bilingual required

State of Oregon • Salem, OR

3d • Remote

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is seeking an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) to join their team. This role is crucial in facilitating access to vital services for Oregonians in need, empowering them to rise above poverty and fostering equity and well-being. The position involves determining eligibility for various programs administered by ODHS, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). The work is performed remotely as part of the Virtual Eligibility Center (VEC) in Salem. The department is committed to equity and diversity, encouraging applications from historically underrepresented groups. A key requirement for this position is bilingual proficiency in English and Chuukese, which will be assessed through testing and will result in a 5% bilingual differential pay upon successful completion.

Requirements

• Must be bilingual in English and Chuukese and pass proficiency tests.
• 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.
• Demonstrated experience adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment with frequently changing processes while successfully prioritizing work and attending to detail.
• Experience using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with a demonstrated level of integrity.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles (reasonable accommodations may be used).
• Requires a good attendance pattern and appropriate use of accrued paid leave.
• Must complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States within three days of hire.
• ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working as a Public Benefit Specialist in the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) determining eligibility for medical, food, cash, and childcare programs using the ONE system.
• Experience gathering information, applying program rules, and providing clear, trauma-informed guidance.
• Experience supporting customers in person, by phone, and online while fostering a welcoming and culturally responsive environment.
• Experience working collaboratively within a team to complete eligibility tasks, answer inquiries, and connect people with community resources.

Responsibilities

• Performs eligibility determinations, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates to changes for ODHS, OHA, and DELC programs including SNAP, medical benefits (OHP), Medicaid Long-Term Care Financial Eligibility Benefits, Medicare Savings Plans (MSP), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS), Able Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD), and other cash benefits.
• Ensures accurate and timely eligibility determinations across the state to ensure recipients meet program requirements for all OEP programs.
• Monitors and maintains all active ABAWD cases across the state to ensure recipients meet work requirements, determine exceptions to work requirements, and monitor duration on the program.
• Conducts phone or in-person interviews with Oregonians, collecting household details, current income, current resources, and other applicant information necessary to determine social, habilitative, rehabilitative, therapeutic, food, medical, and safety needs.
• Conducts collateral interviews or reviews supplemental materials as needed to make eligibility determinations for applicable ODHS programs.
• Utilizes applicable forms, computer systems, tools, and resources to make eligibility determinations at intake, when an Oregonian renews benefits, and/or when a recipient reports changes to their household.
• Explains applicant rights and responsibilities during initial application interviews and when benefits are changed and renewed.
• Makes appropriate referrals to other ODHS programs and resources.
• Processes data in a timely manner to ensure delivery of benefits and services.
• Communicates eligibility decisions to applicants and sends all required notifications within the appropriate timeframe.
• Completes redeterminations, periodic reviews, and change updates within federal timeframes and appropriate intervals.
• Ensures appropriate documentation and forms are completed and sent, information is captured correctly, and actions taken are notated.
• Explores and provides other community resource options and referrals.
• Ensures service delivery is provided in a culturally competent way; provides communication to Oregonians in their preferred language/format by utilizing printed materials available in different languages/formats and use of language services.
• Problem-solves issues that Oregonians or other staff may have around their case and eligibility.

Benefits

• 5% bilingual differential pay of the employee’s base pay upon passing bilingual proficiency tests.
• Amazing benefits package.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.

What This Job Offers

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