Public Benefits Specialist. Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred

State of Oregon•Newport, RI

2d•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! Would you like the opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources? Would you enjoy working with a diverse team that collaborates and learns together in service of children, families, and communities? If so, step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty—become a key player in the Oregon Eligibility Partnership and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being. Summary of Duties As a Public Benefits Specialist you will: Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is a program within ODHS that determines eligibility for people living in Oregon who apply for medical, food, cash, and childcare benefits through the ONE eligibility system. OEP plays a critical part of the eligibility process that moves beyond integration and equality, to focus on equity of services and providing timely, accurate, and necessary eligibility determinations through a person-centered approach. This position prefers bilingual and requests duties to be done in both English and Spanish, but not required. Bilingual differential pay is provided to positions that require to use a language other than English to fulfill their job duties within their position. Bilingual differential pay is 5% of the employee's base pay.

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 communicating decisions regarding the approval or denial of benefits or services and adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
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.
Experience handling confidential or sensitive situations and information with unwavering professionalism, holding self and others to high standards of honesty and integrity.
Demonstrated willingness to uphold the ODHS Core Values and experience providing customer service that is person centered and trauma informed manner through a diversity, equity, embracing anti-racism work and inclusion lens that exemplifies our Equity North Star values of inclusivity, equity, service and well-being.
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.
Experience developing collaborative relationships that foster trust, inclusivity, and respect with internal and external partners.