Eligibility Worker; Public Benefit Specialist), Bilingual English

Initial Posting Date:

03/05/2026

Final date to receive applications:

03/15/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,519 - $5,988

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefit Specialist), Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred

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.

Bilingual Preferred – English & Spanish

You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for this position. If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. If you’re interested in using your bilingual language skills, you may qualify for a 5% bilingual differential pay increase after successfully passing the language proficiency test.

Opportunity awaits!

Imagine being a guiding light for those in need. You have an opportunity to embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect as you build trust during difficult moments. Make a difference in people's lives while nurturing your career.

• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.
• Conduct interviews with applicants applying for benefits.
• Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants.
• Provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.
• Be responsible for accurate and timely eligibility determinations across the state.
• Create a work environment where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated and valued.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and ongoing education of cultural awareness.

• 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 conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
• Experience adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
• Experience providing customer service that is person centered and trauma informed.
• Demonstrated experience navigating multiple desktop and web-based applications, with the ability to troubleshoot common technical issues.
• Demonstrated experience in building inclusive relationships with colleagues and clients through empathy, professionalism, and mutual respect.

Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.

• This is an in-person position, duties will be conducted in an office setting.
• Environment: Office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise level is sometimes high.
• Employee’s work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT
  .
• Occasional, compensated overtime may be required or voluntary, including evening and weekend work.
• Travel may be required to support business operations, attend training programs, or perform work within the community. Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles.
• May encounter situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure the safety of oneself or others.
• You will communicate with Oregon residents frequently over the phone and in-person.
• This position requires a good attendance pattern.
• May encounter angry, hostile, frustrated individuals as…