Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) Woodburn – Bilingual Spanish Preferred

Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist)

Location:

Woodburn Branch Office (Oregon Department of Human Services)

Salary Range: $4,519 - $5,988 per month (non-PERS). After PERS eligibility the salary range will increase by 6.95%.

Contract type:
Permanent, Full-time.

Hours:

8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

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.

• 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 (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.

• Experience conducting interviews and communicating decisions regarding approval or denial of benefits or services.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with frequently changing priorities.
• Experience in collaborating and communicating effectively in both verbal and writing with colleagues and customers.
• Experience with demonstrating active listening, retaining information, and task prioritization.
• Experience working within a team environment and fostering a collaborative work environment.

Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred. This recruitment has a bilingual in English/Spanish Preference but not required. If chosen for the bilingual preference, you would be required to pass test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual preference for this position. Upon passing the test(s), you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay.

Your work schedule will be 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. Work is conducted in-office and in-person at our Woodburn Branch Office 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.

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…