Eligibility Worker; Public Benefits Specialist | Bilingual English​/not required

Initial Posting Information

Initial Posting Date: 11/20/2025
Final date to receive applications: 12/01/2025
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range: $4,409 – $5,842
Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) | Bilingual English/Spanish preferred – not required!

The Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our vision for a positive 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! Join a team dedicated to ensuring fairness, accuracy, and timely access to essential services for individuals and families in need. As an Eligibility Worker, you will play a crucial role in conducting assessments, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates—helping recipients maintain eligibility across all OEP programs. Your work has a direct impact on fostering equity, well‑being, and stability in communities across the state.

• Determine Program Eligibility:
  Conduct phone or in‑person interviews to gather household details, income, resources, and other key information to assess needs.
• Conduct collateral interviews or review supplemental materials as needed to make eligibility determination for applicable ODHS programs.
• Use relevant forms, computer systems, and tools to determine eligibility at intake, during benefit renewals, and when recipients report household changes.
• Explain applicant rights and responsibilities during the initial application interview and when benefits are changed and renewed.
• Process data in a timely manner to ensure delivery of benefits and services.
• Provide triage, information, and referrals:
  Work closely and collaboratively with Oregonians, other agencies, medical providers, and community partners to provide benefits, services and information.
• In supporting Oregonians, provide person‑centered services with a trauma‑informed approach to identify needs.

• One year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist I 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 interviewing customers/clients to elicit pertinent information and determine eligibility.
• Experience cooperating within a team to find solutions and make decisions that support agency goals.
• Experience working with people under emotional and/or financial stress and from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.
• Experience completing technical and detailed work using basic mathematics and software tools while maintaining accuracy.
• Experience communicating decisions regarding the approval or denial of benefits while engaging diverse populations and individuals that face communication challenges.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment with frequently changing processes.

Work Locations:
Offices and community sites.

Hours:

Monday — Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Regular work week with fluctuating hours based on office business needs.
Travel:
Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other office‑related activities.
This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma‑informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment.
You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions.
Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision‑making to ensure safety for yourself and others.
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