Public Benefits Specialist | Bilingual English​/Spanish

Public Benefits Specialist | Bilingual Preferred (English/Spanish)

Location: La Pine office, in-person assistance (Oregon).

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.

While bilingual is not required, if you are bilingual we encourage you to apply. Bilingual applicants will receive a 5% differential pay upon passing the test.

As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will:

• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates 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.
• Update narrative reports summarizing new information from client and collateral sources, findings of home visits, and conclusions.

Learn more about our programs; 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 demonstrating flexibility in adapting to evolving environments, expectations, and timelines, while upholding effectiveness and professionalism.
• 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 prioritizing tasks and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Experience 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 traditional Monday‑Friday, 8am‑5pm PT.
• 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.

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Amazing benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Vets and Oregon National Guard service members (current and former) who meet qualifications will receive candidate preference.

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the SEIU.
• The salary range listed is the non‑PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a PERS member or become eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

• Recruiter:
  Yvette Medford (requisition number should be referenced).
• Email:
  Yvette.
  
  C.Medfordgon.gov
• Phone: 541‑709‑0306 (call or text).