Public Benefits Specialist | Bilingual English​/Russian

Position Title

Public Benefits Specialist | Bilingual Required English/Russian

09/16/2026

09/24/2026

Department of Human Services

$4,519 - $5,988

Employee

Public Benefits Specialist | Bilingual Required English/Russian

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.

To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in English & Russian. The job offer will be contingent upon passing a test evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements for this position. Upon passing the test, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay.

Discover a rewarding path where you support your community and grow your career. Benefit & Eligibility Workers play a key role in connecting people with programs that foster stability and well‑being.

As a Public Benefits Specialist
, you will work in the Southeast
Portland Branch (on SE Malden Street) 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 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.
• Be responsible for updating narratives by summarizing newly obtained information from the client and collateral sources, and documenting the appropriate conclusions.

Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).

• To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in Russian and English. And
• 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 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.

• Work schedule is a tradition 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.