Eligibility Worker; Public Benefits Specialist

Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist)

Initial Posting Date: 09/01/2026 Final date to receive applications: 09/08/2026

Agency:
Department of Human Services

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

Position Type:
Employee

Job Description:

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! Are you an equity-minded professional with heart? Do you enjoy people, problem solving, and working with others to create a positive, productive and inclusive workplace? If so, keep reading - we may have your ideal job! Summary of Duties As a Eligibility Worker, you will:
The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is the dedicated program for ensuring coordinated responsibility occurs in determining timely eligibility benefits for Oregonians seeking supports related to health, food security, employment, and cash benefits. This primary focus of this program is making eligibility determinations for medical programs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS) while following the principles of Oregonian focused, Customer Service, Equity and Inclusion, Standardization, and Efficiency.

Conduct phone or in person interviews for Oregonians, collecting household details, current income, current resources, and other applicant information necessary to determine their social, habilitative, rehabilitative, therapeutic, food, medical, and safety needs. Utilize all applicable forms, computer systems, tools, and resources to make eligibility determinations at intake, when an Oregon renews benefits, and or when a recipient reports changes to household.

Ensure appropriate documentation and forms are completed and sent, information is captured correctly, and actions taken are notated. Complete redetermination, periodic reviews, and change updates within federal time frames and within appropriate intervals. In supporting Oregonians, provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs. Maintain working knowledge of programs and community resources and provide information and referrals to applicable parties.

Ensure that service delivery is provided in a culturally competent way; provide communication to Oregonians in their preferred language/format by utilizing printed materials available in different languages/formats and use of language services available.

• 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 with problem-solving and transitioning between tasks in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Experience with remaining adaptable and patient as priorities and business needs shift throughout the day.
• Experience with detail-oriented work, including data entry and document review.
• Experience effectively collaborating with customers, colleagues, and communities while honoring their lived experience.

Attention all candidates! Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history. Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile.

Note:

Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process. The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency.

Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification. The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during…