Eligibility Worker (Public Benefit Specialist) Bilingual English/Spanish Required

Oregon Department of Human Services; North Bend (WA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Amazing benefits package

5% bilingual differential pay

ODHS Employee Resource Groups

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefit Specialist) in North Bend to help individuals access essential medical, food, cash, and childcare benefits. You will interview customers, apply program rules, and make eligibility decisions with a person-centered approach.

This full-time role requires bilingual English/Spanish, a valid driver’s license, and experience in public service or applying policies.

Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish is required.
• One year of experience at the Human Services Specialist 1 level or two years of public assistance experience.
• Associate degree in Behavioral/Social Science or closely related field, or an equivalent combination.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants in-person and by phone to gather information for SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs.
• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.
• Assist customers in-person and over the phone and communicate eligibility decisions.
• Provide person-centered, trauma-informed service to diverse backgrounds.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive work environment and participate in ongoing cultural training.

Skills

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Customer service

Interviewing

Trauma-informed approach

Cultural responsiveness

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral/Social Science

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience with the public applying policies

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/30/2026 Application Deadline: 10/14/2026 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $4,519 - $5,988 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Eligibility Worker (Public Benefit Specialist)

Job Description: The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that 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/ Spanish To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in English & Spanish. The job offer is contingent upon passing speaking and writing tests evaluating your proficiency. Upon passing, you will receive a 5% bilingual differential pay. Opportunity awaits! Put your customer service and problem-solving skills to work with the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP). As an Eligibility Worker, you’ll help individuals and families access essential medical, food, cash, and childcare benefits. You’ll interview customers, apply program rules, make eligibility decisions, and provide person-centered service to people from diverse backgrounds. Your work will make a meaningful difference while helping create a welcoming and inclusive environment. Bring your communication skills, compassion, and commitment to helping others—and grow your career with ODHS! We are seeking to fill this position in our North Bend office.

Understanding North Bend, Oregon

North Bend is located on the southern Oregon Coast (not in Central Oregon). The city of North Bend is located along the beautiful southern Oregon coast. North Bend is home to the towering 500-foot sand dunes of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, historic McCullough Memorial Bridge, beautiful Horsfall Beach and plenty of quaint shops, antique stores and restaurants. Adventures of all kinds await in North Bend! North Bend on Travel Oregon - learn what North Bend has to offer! Find an ODHS office - understand where North Bend is located. Mileage and driving distance calculator - calculate your commute.

Summary of Duties

• Interview applicants in-person and by phone to gather and assess information for benefits we administer, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Long Term Care (LTC) services, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), and various Medicaid (Health insurance) programs.
• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.
• Assist customers in-person and over the phone who are receiving or 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.
• 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.
• A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.
• One (1) year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist 1 level for the State of Oregon; OR Two (2) years of experience working with the public, providing assistance and interpreting and applying policies, rules, or guidelines;
• An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND six (6) 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

• Experience actively listening to customers and asking clarifying and open-ended questions to gather complete and relevant information.
• Experience accurately applying complex rules and policies to various types of cases or circumstances.
• Experience using sound judgment, a trauma informed approach and cultural responsiveness to identify successful solutions to barriers or conflicts.
• Experience developing collaborative relationships with colleagues and community partners that foster trust, inclusivity, and respect.
• Experience providing customer service with respect and compassion to community members who have historically been marginalized, underserved, in crisis, or disadvantaged.
• Experience using strong independent problem‑solving skills and seeking solutions proactively before escalating issues.
• Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.

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.

Working Conditions

Your work schedule will be 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Work is conducted in-person at our North Bend ODHS office. May require sitting at a computer or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday. You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may be experiencing emotional and/or financial distress. Consistent attendance is essential. Flexibility/adaptability is essential due to a changing environment with regular policy, program, and technical adjustments.

Background Checks and Requirements

A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. 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.

We encourage application to the best applicant. 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.

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon 'flies with her own wings.'