Public Benefits Specialist. Bilingual English​/Spanish

Public Benefits Specialist. Bilingual English/Spanish Required

Join to apply for the Public Benefits Specialist role at State of Oregon.

• Initial Posting Date: 12/29/2025
• Final date to receive applications: 01/12/2026
• Agency:
  Department of Human Services
• Salary Range: $4,409 - $5,842
• Position Type:
  Employee
• Position Title:
  
  Public Benefits Specialist. Bilingual English/Spanish Required

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.

This position is bilingual and requires duties to be performed in both English and Spanish. Job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position. Bilingual differential pay is provided to positions that require usage of a language other than English to fulfill job duties, at 5% of the employee's base pay.

Opportunity awaits! 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.

A Cover Letter is required. Failure to submit a Cover Letter will require us to decline your application.

As a Public Benefits Specialist you will:

You will work as part of the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP), 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, focusing on equity of services and providing timely, accurate, and necessary eligibility determinations through a person‑centered approach.

• Bilingual in English/Spanish.
• 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 a 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 communicating decisions regarding the approval or denial of benefits or services and adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
• Experience completing tasks or projects timely in a fast‑paced, high‑volume business setting and conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
• Experience handling confidential or sensitive situations and information with unwavering professionalism, holding self and others to high standards of honesty and integrity.
• Demonstrated willingness to uphold the ODHS Core Values and experience providing customer service that is person‑centered and trauma‑informed manner through a diversity, equity, embracing anti‑racism work and inclusion lens that exemplifies our Equity North Star values of inclusivity, equity, service and well‑being.
• Experience demonstrating active listening; listening to understand, retain information and applying lessons‑learned to varying environments and situations; welcoming constructive feedback and suggestions to strengthen work performance.
• Experienc…