Public Benefits Specialist (Benefit & Eligibility Worker)

State of Oregon

4d•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. As a Public Benefits Specialist / Benefit & Eligibility Worker, you will work in the Florence, Oregon Branch assisting Oregonians in-person. This position is not eligible for remote work. 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).

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.
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