Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist), Bilingual English & Spanish Preferred

Initial Posting Date:

Application Deadline:

Agency:

Salary Range:

Position Type:

Position Title:

Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by ourEquity North Starand our vision for a positiveRiSE organizational culturethat 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. While not a requirement preference will be given to candidates who possess this valuable skill.

Opportunity awaits!

Imagine being a guiding light for those in need. You have an opportunity to embrace diversity equity inclusion and respect as you build trust during difficult moments. Make a difference in peoples lives while nurturing your career.

Summary of Duties

As a Benefit & Eligibility Worker you will:

• Perform eligibility determinations redeterminations and periodic reviews.

• Conduct interviews with applicants 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 across the state.

• 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 conducting work that requires attention to detail particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.

• Experience adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.

• Experience using time management organization and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.

• Experience working in teams providing customer service that is person centered and trauma informed.

• Demonstrated experience developing meaningful relationships that foster trust inclusivity and respect.

• Proven track record of reliability and achieving performance targets.

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

Working Conditions

• This is an in-person position duties will be conducted in an office setting.

• Employees work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT.

• Occasional compensated overtime may be required or voluntary including evening and weekend work.

• May work with individuals experiencing trauma or crisis. Some individuals may have challenges managing their emotions.

• May encounter situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure the safety of oneself or others.

• You will communicate with Oregon residents frequently over the phone and in-person.

• Requires substantial time spent stationary while operating a computer.>

Attention all candidates!

• Application materials are screened for minimum qualifications and essential attributes to determine if you advance in the selection process. Clearly describe how you meet these requirements in your application materials.

• Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Please ensure that all education and experience you would like considered is included in your application materials.

• Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. You can attach multiple files in this area at once.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: 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.

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 Securitys 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 preference

• Veterans preference information.

• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

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

Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and application or Job-specific questions.

Please include the job requisition number: REQ-.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.

• Email:

• Phone (call or text): .