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

State of Oregon•Tigard, OR

4d•$4,519 - $5,988•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! We are hiring for one Public Benefits Specialist! Join a team dedicated to ensuring fairness, accuracy, and timely access to essential services for individuals and families in need. As an Eligibility Worker, you will play a crucial role in conducting assessments, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates—helping recipients maintain eligibility across all OEP programs. Your work has a direct impact on fostering equity, well-being, and stability in communities across the state. Spanish/English Bilingual encouraged position: You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for this position. However, preference will be given to candidates who are bilingual in Spanish and English. We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. If you are bilingual, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency. The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services. OEP supports state staff who determine eligibility for people applying for and receiving medical, food, cash, and childcare benefits. It also manages the ONE Eligibility System used to process applications and deliver benefits to eligible individuals and families in Oregon. One in three people in Oregon receive benefits through the ONE Eligibility System. OEP administers the ONE Eligibility system in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).

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 the community and with evaluating resources and services while serving diverse populations.
Experience communicating effectively and prioritizing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
Experience working with complex and shifting priorities and procedures, and a demonstrated ability to remain flexible.
Demonstrated willingness to uphold the ODHS Core Values, embracing anti-racism work and applying principles of diversity, equity and inclusion
Experience utilizing multiple software systems, processing data, and problem solving to meet accuracy and timeliness goals.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish and English

Responsibilities

Conduct 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.
Provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.