Eligibility Worker | Public Benefits Specialist

Initial Posting Date: 08/04/2026

Final date to receive applications: 08/18/2026

Agency:
Department of Human Services

Salary Range: $4,519 - $5,988

Position Type:
Employee Position

Title:

Eligibility Worker | Public Benefits Specialist

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 meaningful work with purpose? As an Eligibility Worker, you’ll support individuals and families in your community, providing resources that help them thrive. Step into a career where your impact truly matters. As an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist), you will work in the Baker City Branch assisting Oregonians in-person. Baker City is in rural eastern Oregon.

• 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, by email to gather information needed to assess and determine if there is a need for services and benefits.
• Assess client family strengths and needs, connecting families to other resources and programs.
• Update narrative report summarizing new information from client and collateral sources.
• Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).

• 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 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 using basic mathematics in a work environment with a high accuracy rate.
• Experience communicating complex and technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing, to people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience working in a social/human services setting, interviewing to obtain information in person and over the phone.
• Experience writing clear case notes documenting client interactions and updating records into data systems.
• Experience providing trauma informed customer service.

Work is conducted in offices and other program sites. May interact with clients who are under emotional or financial stress. May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday. This position is in the storefront office.

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the salary range listed).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Employment Preference Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference:
Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard service members (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

If selected as a finalist, we will…