Benefits & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist)

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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.

Are you fluent in English and Spanish? Our diverse communities benefit from bilingual support.

Bilingual Preferred: You do not need to be bilingual to apply for or be considered for this position. However, preference will be given to candidates who are bilingual in Spanish and English. We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. If you are bilingual, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency.

Opportunity awaits! Our Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) team is seeking a talented individual who has experience interviewing applicants to determine eligibility for programs and services through a trauma informed lens. If you are looking for a meaningful career that serves Oregon’s most vulnerable community members, apply today to join our team!

Summary of Duties

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 critical part in 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.   

As an Eligibility Worker for the Eugene office, you will:

• 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.

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 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.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience actively listening to customers and asking clarifying and open-ended questions to gather complete and relevant information.

• Experience accurately applying complex rules and policies to various types of cases or circumstances. 

• Experience using computers to communicate by email, search for information online, enter or retrieve data, and learn new web-based applications.

• Experience using sound judgment, a trauma informed approach and cultural responsiveness to identify successful solutions to barriers or conflicts.

• Experience developing collaborative relationships with colleagues and community partners that foster trust, inclusivity, and respect.

• Experience providing customer service with respect and compassion to community members who have historically been marginalized, underserved, in crisis, or disadvantaged.

While not required, preference will be given to candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish.

Attention all candidates!

• A Cover Letter is required. If you do not attach a cover letter, your application will be declined.  

• Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

• Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

• If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.

• The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Working Conditions

• Your work schedule will generally be 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

• Your work will be conducted in person in the Eugene office. There will not be remote opportunities.

• Your work may include extended periods of sitting at a computer terminal or using a telephone throughout the workday.

• Your work will involve interacting with a diverse range of people, including individuals who may have experienced trauma or may be navigating emotional or financial challenges. You will need to approach these interactions with professionalism, empathy, and respect.

• Your work will require reliable and consistent attendance to support customers and maintain team operations.

• Your work will require flexibility and adaptability as policies, programs, procedures, and technology evolve and change over time.

Background Checks and Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

Employment Preference

Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference:

• Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

General Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

• The recruiter for this position is Heather Whelan. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-206034.

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone (call or text): 503-979-8682