Eligibility Worker; Public Benefits Specialist is Spanish bilingual

Position: Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) – 3 vacancies (1 is Spanish bilingual required)!
Initial Posting Date:10/01/2026

Application Deadline:10/08/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services Salary Range:$4,519.00 - $5,988.00

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) – 3 vacancies (1 is Spanish bilingual required)!

Job Description:

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! Our Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) Portland team is seeking talented individuals who have experience interviewing applicants to determine eligibility for programs and services through a trauma informed lens. If you are looking for a meaningful career that serves Oregon’s most vulnerable community members, apply today to join our team!

As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will work in our East Branch - Portland office on NE Glisan Street assisting community members in office / in person.

Of the 3 positions available, 1 position requires English/Spanish bilingual skills:

One of these positions require duties to be completed in both English and Spanish and that position’s job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position. This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test.

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  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.

Minimum Qualifications One (1) year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist 1 level for the State of Oregon; ORTwo (2) years of experience working with the public, providing assistance and interpreting and applying policies, rules, or guidelines; ORAn 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;

ORAn equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

Essential Attributes We are looking for candidates with:

Experience providing services with…