Eligibility Worker; Public Benefits Specialist

Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist)

Salary Range: $4,519 - $5,988. Position Type:
Employee.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) Albany team is seeking a talented individual who has experience interviewing applicants to determine eligibility for programs and services through a trauma informed lens. 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 in the eligibility process that moves beyond integration and equality, focusing on equity of services and providing timely, accurate, and necessary eligibility determinations through a person‑centered approach.

• Interview applicants in-person and by phone to gather and assess information for benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Long Term Care (LTC) services, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), and various Medicaid (Health insurance) programs.
• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.
• Assist customers in-person and over the phone who are receiving or 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.
• Create a work environment where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated and valued.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and ongoing education of cultural awareness.

• One (1) year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist 1 level for the State of Oregon; OR
• Two (2) 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 (6) 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 actively listening to customers and asking clarifying and open‑ended questions to gather complete and relevant information.
• Experience accurately applying complex rules and policies to various types of cases or circumstances.
• Experience using sound judgment, a trauma informed approach and cultural responsiveness to identify successful solutions to barriers or conflicts.
• Experience developing collaborative relationships with colleagues and community partners that foster trust, inclusivity, and respect.
• Experience providing customer service with respect and compassion to community members who have historically been marginalized, underserved, in crisis, or disadvantaged.

Your work schedule will be 8:05 a.m. – 5:05 p.m., Monday – Friday. Work is conducted in‑office and in‑person at our Albany ODHS office. There will not be remote work opportunities. May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday. You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may be experiencing emotional and/or financial distress.

Consistent attendance is essential. Flexibility/adaptability is essential due to a changing environment with regular policy, program, and technical adjustments.

If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. The Oregon Department of Human…