Public Benefits Specialist (Benefit Worker)

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Note: This position will receive a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) which is not reflected in the salary listed in this posting. The increase will be effective February 1 2026 and will be reflected in paychecks beginning March 1 2026.

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.

Opportunity awaits! Would you like the opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources Would you enjoy working with a diverse team that collaborates and learns together in service of children families and communities If so step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above povertybecome a key player in the Oregon Eligibility Partnership and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being.

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 plays a critical part of the eligibility process that moves beyond integration and equality to focus on equity of services and providing timely accurate and necessary eligibility determinations through a person-centered approach.

As a Public Benefits Specialist you will:

• Interview applicants and determine eligibility for people applying for various programs and benefits through interviewing gathering and assessing information. Programs we administer include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Long Term Care (LTC) services Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) Domestic Violence services and various Medicaid (Health insurance) programs.
• Play a critical role in providing a safety net that supports better outcomes for Oregonians.
• Provide resources that support individual and family stability.
• Provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.
• 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 demonstrating resilience by managing setbacks delays or unexpected challenges constructively.
• Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
• Experience collaborating and communicating effectively both verbally and in writing with customers colleagues and diverse clientele.
• Experience researching interpreting and applying policies and regulations in a work environment with frequent changing conditions.

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. 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. 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.

Working Conditions

• Your work will be conducted in the Office.
• Your typical work schedule will be Monday Friday 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST) on-site and in-person each workday at the Dallas 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.

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 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 Cris Jansen. If you contact the recruiter please include the job requisition number: REQ-194196

• Email:
• Phone (call or text):