Eligibility Worker; Public Benefits Specialist

Initial Posting Date: 09/24/2026 Final date to receive applications: 10/01/2026 Agency:
Department of Human Services Salary Range: $4,519 - $5,988 monthly Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) - 3 vacancies!

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively working to build an equitable agency with the Equity North Star as our guide toward our vision of an agency free of racism, discrimination and bias. We believe that teams in which everyone can show up as their full authentic self are key to creating a thriving workforce that can better serve communities.

We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to apply. Opportunity awaits! Discover a rewarding path where you support your community and grow your career.

Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) Eligibility Workers play a key role in connecting people with programs that foster stability and well-being. Summary of Duties Oregon Eligibility Partnership (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 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.

As an Eligibility Worker, you will:

• Interview applicants in-person and by phone to gather and assess information for benefits we administer, 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 communicating complex and technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing, to people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience preparing and maintaining accurate and detailed client records and notes.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment.
• Experience independently managing workload using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to consistently meet deadlines.
• Experience making decisions to resolve problems using independent judgment.
• Experience staying calm and professional when working with customers in challenging or emotional situations.

Working Conditions Your work schedule will be professional business hours, Monday - Friday. Work is conducted in-office and in-person at our SE Malden Street ODHS office. 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.

Background Checks and Requirements 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 information.…