Eligibility Worker | Public Benefits Specialist

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Opportunity awaits!

Looking for meaningful work with purpose? As an Eligibility Worker, you’ll support individuals and families in your community, providing resources that help them thrive. Step into a career where your impact truly matters.

As an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist), you will work in the Hermiston Branch assisting Oregonians in-person. Hermiston is in rural Northeastern Oregon.

Learn more about Hermiston: https://www.hermiston.gov/

Summary of Duties

As an Eligibility Worker, you will:

• 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, by phone, by email 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.

• Update narrative report summarizing new information from the client and collateral sources.

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.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Demonstrated experience prioritizing tasks and completing work efficiently, accurately, and within established deadlines.

• Demonstrated experience performing detail‑oriented work, including data entry and reviewing previous information and decisions.

• Demonstrated experience thriving in fast‑paced environments with frequent shifts in priorities.

• Demonstrated adaptability and patience as business needs and daily priorities evolve.

• Experience communicating complex and technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing, to people from diverse backgrounds.

Working Conditions

• This position is in the Aging & People with Disabilities storefront office, providing support to older adults and people living with disabilities.
• You may work with individuals experiencing trauma or crisis, some who may have difficulty managing their emotions.
• Quick decision-making may be necessary to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
• May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.

Attention all candidates!

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 make sure your application materials, resume and job history are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

• 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.

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.

• A driver’s license and acceptable driving record may be required for this position.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.

• Cost of Living Adjustments.

• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the salary range listed).

• 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).  

• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.

• 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 Yvette Medford. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.

• Email: yvette.c.medford@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime!