Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) - Bilingual English​/Spanish preferred not required

Position Title Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) - Bilingual English/Spanish preferred not required

Initial Posting Date 08/03/2026

Final date to receive applications 08/10/2026

Agency Department of Human Services

Salary Range $4,519 - $5,988

Position Type Employee

Job Description 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! If you possess the unique ability to connect with individuals and assess their needs through a compassionate lens, the Oregon Department of Human Services invites you to apply for a rewarding position that empowers our community's most vulnerable members.

We are seeking a dedicated Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) Bilingual English/Spanish preferred - not required to join our dedicated Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) team in Tigard.

• 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.

• One year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist 1 level for the State of Oregon;
• Two years of experience working with the public, providing assistance and interpreting and applying policies, rules, or guidelines;
• 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;
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

• We are looking for candidates who are skilled in explaining agency policies, eligibility requirements, and program guidelines to clients in plain, understandable language, ensuring clarity, compliance, and informed decision-making.
• Experience planning, prioritizing, and completing work efficiently while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
• Experience working with complex and shifting policies and procedures, and a demonstrated ability to remain flexible and willing to learn.
• Experience establishing positive relationships and connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds, roles, and personalities.
• Demonstrated critical-thinking skills to quickly assess information, evaluate options, and make effective decisions, while efficiently navigating various technology platforms and databases to gather, analyze, and manage data.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other agency-specific software for scheduling, data entry, documentation, and internal communication, supporting operations and client service delivery.

Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.

• Your work schedule will be 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.
• Work is conducted in-office and in-person at our Tigard, OR ODHS office.
• May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.
• You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may be experiencing emotional and/or financial distress.
• Consistent attendance is essential.
• Flexibility/adaptability is essential due to a changing environment with regular policy, program, and technical adjustments.

• 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.
• Driver Record Screening:
  As part of the pre-employment background check,…