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

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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.

Bilingual requirement English and Spanish

This position requires duties to be completed in both English and Spanish. The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position. This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test.

Opportunity awaits!

Imagine being a guiding light for those in need. As a Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefit Specialist) 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 Benefits & 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

To qualify for this position you must be bilingual in Spanish and English.

• 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:

• Attention to detail: Experience reviewing documents and entering information into multiple systems with accuracy.

• Technical proficiency: Experience navigating multiple software programs and web-based platforms to cross reference or verify information.

• Clear and adaptable communication: Experience explaining complex information verbally and in writing to diverse audiences in a culturally responsive manner.

• Organizational skills: Experience prioritizing tasks and managing workloads to consistently meet deadlines in a fast paced dynamic environment.

• Collaboration and teamwork: Experience building trust-based relationships and adapting to changing priorities collaboratively as a team.

Working Conditions

• The work schedule is 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Monday Friday PST.

• Work will be done on site and in-person at the Bend ODHS branch office.

• Contact with the public including contact with Oregonians experiencing emotional and financial stress.

• Serve a diverse range of customers with compassion and professionalism through a trauma informed lens.

• May require sitting at a computer or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.

• Occasional local travel may be required for community appointments that take place in participant homes hospitals and other public settings based on the participants needs.

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.

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

• 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. 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.

• 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.

• A valid drivers license and acceptable driving record are 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 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-191140.

• Recruiter: Amanda Alvarado.

• Email:

• Phone (call or text): .