Eligibility Worker; Public Benefits Specialist

Eligibility Worker (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! Our Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) South Salem 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!

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience remaining adaptable and patient as priorities and business needs shift throughout the day.
• Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
• Experience collaborating and communicating effectively both verbally and in writing with customers, colleagues, and diverse.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment with frequently changing priorities.

Attention all candidates!

Your resume (optional) and cover letter (optional) may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

• Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the hiring process and will be used to determine your starting salary range if you are selected as a final candidate.
• Please include detailed work history that includes the month/year start date and month/year end date for each role/job. If applicable for college degrees, please clearly indicate if a degree has been completed when providing educational history (graduation dates are not required on applications).
• If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
• 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.

Working Conditions

• Your work schedule will be 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.
• Work is conducted in-office and in-person at our South Salem ODHS office.
• May…