Public Benefits Specialist

Initial Posting Date: 10/02/2026 Final date to receive applications: 10/12/2026 Agency:
Department of Human Services Salary Range: $4,519 - $5,988 Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Public Benefits Specialist

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! Looking for meaningful work with real impact? Join a dedicated team supporting Oregonians through a community-centered, data-informed approach that addresses social determinants of health and creates lasting change. As a Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist), you will work in the Pendleton Branch assisting Oregonians in-person.

• 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, by phone, by email 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 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.

• Experience working in a social/human services setting, interviewing to obtain information in person and over the phone.
• Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
• Experience using basic mathematics in a work environment.
• Experience in creating and maintaining written documentation of interactions with clients.
• Experience communicating decisions, rules, regulations, policies and procedures to clients or customers.
• Experience providing trauma informed customer service to community members who have historically been marginalized, underserved, in crisis, or disadvantaged.

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.

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. This position works in the storefront office.

If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check…