Eligibility Specialist 132-08-26

NWSDS; Woodburn (OR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

NWSDS is seeking an Eligibility Specialist to help older adults and individuals with disabilities access benefits, determine eligibility, and support ongoing enrollment with accuracy and respect.

You will interview clients, review documents, apply program rules, and collaborate with partners such as DHS, Oregon Health Authority, SSA, and medical providers to ensure timely benefit access and client-centered service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or four years of relevant public assistance experience.
• Successful completion of a language proficiency test for bilingual positions.

Responsibilities

• Interview individuals by phone or in person to determine eligibility for financial, medical, and SNAP programs.
• Review applications, verify documentation, and apply program rules to determine eligibility.
• Maintain accurate consumer records and process forms, updates, and benefit changes in a timely manner.
• Conduct annual eligibility reviews and communicate re-determination requirements and decisions.
• Assist consumers with ongoing benefit maintenance and respond to questions or changes as needed.
• Coordinate with DHS, Oregon Health Authority, SSA, medical providers, and other service organizations.
• Attend hearings or provide testimony when needed regarding consumer eligibility.
• Support person-centered service by helping consumers understand available resources and access appropriate assistance.
• Follow agency policies, confidentiality requirements, and mandatory reporting obligations while maintaining quality and accuracy standards.
• Communicate directly with consumers whose primary language is not English.
• Interpret and explain forms, program requirements, rules, and policies in the identified language pair.
• Translate written materials as needed.

Skills

Program rules

Organizational skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Data entry

Independent work

Cultural responsiveness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Social Sciences, Human Services, or related field

Four years of relevant experience providing public assistance support

Tools

Database software

Office software

Job description

General Description

This position plays an important role in helping older adults and individuals with disabilities access essential financial, medical, and nutrition-related benefits. The Eligibility Specialist determines eligibility for benefit programs, supports ongoing enrollment, and helps consumers navigate resources with professionalism, accuracy, and respect.

Essential Duties

• Interview individuals by phone or in person to gather information and determine eligibility for financial, medical, and SNAP benefit programs.
• Review applications, verify documentation, and apply program rules and policies to determine eligibility.
• Maintain accurate consumer records and process forms, updates, and benefit changes in a timely manner.
• Conduct annual eligibility reviews and communicate re-determination requirements and decisions.
• Assist consumers with ongoing benefit maintenance and respond to questions or changes as needed.
• Coordinate with community partners and agencies such as Department of Human Services, Oregon Health Authority, Social Security Administration, medical providers, and other service organizations.
• Attend hearings or provide testimony when needed regarding consumer eligibility.
• Support person-centered service by helping consumers understand available resources and access appropriate assistance.
• Follow Agency policies, confidentiality requirements, and mandatory reporting obligations while maintaining quality and accuracy standards.

(FOR BILINGUAL POSITIONS ONLY)

• Communicate directly with consumers whose primary language is not English.
• Interpret and explain forms, program requirements, rules, and policies in the identified language pair.
• Translate written materials as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

A qualified applicant will have a minimum of four (4) years of equivalent combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential functions of this position. Minimum qualifications may be met through any of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Social Sciences, Human Services, or a closely related field; or
• Four (4) years of relevant experience providing assistance to the public that includes any combination of interpreting and applying program rules or policies; determining eligibility, conducting intake interviews; verifying documentation; or performing casework.

(FOR BILINGUAL POSITIONS ONLY)

• Successful completion of a language proficiency test

Other Requirements

Driving for Agency Business.

Positions that require driving must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record. May require proof of personal automobile liability insurance in accordance with ORS Chapter 806 and use of a personal vehicle.

Background Check.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history check. Conviction of a crime does not automatically disqualify an individual from employment. Some positions may require additional screening, including but not limited to state or national fingerprint-based background checks.

Mandatory Reporting and Confidentiality.

Must maintain confidentiality and comply with mandatory reporting requirements related to vulnerable populations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to interpret and apply program rules, policies, and procedures accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a high volume of work with deadlines.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with consumers, co-workers, and community partners.
• Ability to gather and review financial and personal information with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Basic computer proficiency, including database and office software use.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, solve problems, and work independently.
• Ability to build rapport with consumers and provide respectful, culturally responsive customer service.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work is primarily performed in an office setting with regular computer and telephone use.
• Frequent interruptions and competing priorities throughout the day.
• Regular sitting, talking, hearing, and repetitive hand movement.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 25 lbs).
• Occasional travel to consumer homes, facilities, or community locations with varying levels of cleanliness and repair.
• Interaction with diverse populations in office and community settings, including occasional exposure to contagious illness, challenging behavior, or domestic animals.