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

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 54,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

Bilingual differential pay

Loan forgiveness programs

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services seeks an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefit Specialist) who is bilingual in English and Spanish. You will interview applicants, apply program rules, determine eligibility, and provide person-centered service for medical, food, cash and childcare benefits in North Bend.

This permanent, full-time, in‑person position requires a valid driver’s license. After passing testing, you will receive a 5% bilingual differential pay.

Qualifications

• Must be bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• One year of experience at the Human Services Specialist 1 level for the State of Oregon.
• Two years of experience working with the public, interpreting and applying policies.
• An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or closely related field, and six months of relevant experience.
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants in-person and by phone to gather and assess information for benefits.
• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations and periodic reviews.
• Assist customers in-person and over the phone who are applying for or receiving benefits.
• Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants.
• Provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive work environment.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral or Social Science

Equivalent combination of education, training and experience

Job description

Position Title

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

Posting Dates

• 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

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. North Bend is located on the southern Oregon Coast (not in Central Oregon).

Understanding North Bend, 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

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

As An Eligibility Worker, You Will

• 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;
• 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;
• 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.

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.

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.

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 Heather Whelan. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-207362.
• Email: [e-mail]
• Phone (call or text): 503-979-8682