Public Benefits Specialist, Entry

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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.

Would you like the opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources? Would you enjoy working with a diverse team that collaborates and learns together in service of children, families, and communities? If so, step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty—become a key player in the Oregon Eligibility Partnership and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being.

The 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 a critical part of the eligibility process that moves beyond integration and equality, to focus on equity of services and providing timely, accurate, and necessary eligibility determinations through a person-centered approach.

As a Public Benefits Specialist, Entry you will:

• Helping individuals and families seeking services by providing specialized assistance on behalf of program staff.
• Providing a safety net, family stability and a connection to careers that guide Oregonians out of poverty. The primary focus of OEP – Oregon Eligibility Partnership Program is helping and working with Oregonians and they can now apply and have access to life-changing programs such as food benefits (SNAP), cash for families (TANF), childcare assistance (ERDC), medical, refugee services, and domestic violence services and long-term care services in-person, by phone and via our online applicant portal to answer case status and other inquiries;
  
  provide information on how to access community resources. This position may also provide support the day-to-day functions through distribution of e-mail and case transfers.
• The first face of contact in most offices for customers either entering the physical office or virtually through the online application portal or telephone communication. This position will contribute to the welcoming environment as families interact with the department in supporting the day-to-day operations of the office.
• Primarily greet and assist Oregonians through a trauma-informed lens.
• Working within a team that collaboratively rotates tasks to support the business needs of the office, tasks may include scheduling intakes for all programs, financial functions and customer service.
• Actively seeking to provide culturally appropriate services where individuals are treated respectfully, compassionately and effectively in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values the worth of children, individuals, families and communities, protecting and preserving the dignity of each. This includes culture, language; national origin; class; race; age; ethnic background; disability; stages of development; religion; gender; sexual orientation and other differences or diversity factors.

• Your typical work schedule will be Monday – Friday
  , 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST). This position will work remotely but may be required to report to the work location of record for equipment/software needs and to attend meetings.
• You may interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions that may require quick decision-making to ensure…