Public Benefits Specialist | Bilingual English​/Spanish

Job Details

Initial Posting Date: 09/01/2026

Final date to receive applications: 09/09/2026

Agency:
Department of Human Services

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

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Public Benefits Specialist | Bilingual Preferred English/Spanish

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 for 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 interested in using your bilingual language skills, upon passing the test, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay.

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 an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist), you will work in the Ontario office assisting Oregonians in-person. Ontario is in rural eastern Oregon near the Idaho border.

• 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 and by phone 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, findings of home visit, and conclusions.
• 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.

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience communicating complex and technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing, to people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough client records and narratives.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment.
• Demonstrated effectively prioritizing tasks and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Experience in making decisions to resolve problems using independent judgment.
• Experience staying calm and professional when working with applicants or clients in challenging or emotional situations.
• Bilingual proficiency will be considered as a tiebreaker among equally qualified finalists.

Work schedule is a traditional work week, Monday-Friday. 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. Work is performed in an office.

If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background checks may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information. The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within…