Public Benefits Specialist
Listed on 2026-09-01
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Social Work
Community Health, Government Administration, Mental Health
Job Details
Initial Posting Date: 08/26/2026
Final date to receive applications: 09/09/2026
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range: $4,519 - $5,988
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
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! Looking for a rewarding career where you can work alongside a team of dedicated individuals to support Oregonians? This opportunity offers growth and the chance to positively impact lives.
As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will work in The Dalles office assisting Oregonians in-person.
Summary of Duties- Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates to changes 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.
- You will update narrative report summarizing new information from client and collateral sources and document conclusions.
Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).
Minimum Qualifications- 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 providing services tailored to meet the cultural needs of the individuals served.
- Experience providing guidance and clarification on customer specific case or account details.
- Demonstrated track record of providing clear, accurate, and timely responses to customer needs.
- Experience providing appropriate referrals to ODHS programs and community resources.
- Experience adapting and integrating new or updated policies, procedures, and systems into daily workflow.
- Experience utilizing multiple software systems.
- Work schedule is a traditional work week, Monday-Friday.
- 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 of the workday.
- If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.
- The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
- May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.
- 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.
Veterans’ And Oregon National Guard Preference
- Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard service members (current and former) who meet the…
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