Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist)

State of Oregon; Albany (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Resource Groups

COLA adjustments

Annual raises

Benefits package

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Veterans preference

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Albany team seeks an Eligibility Worker to interview applicants and determine eligibility for medical, food, cash and childcare benefits using a trauma-informed lens. This role supports the ONE eligibility system and strives for timely, accurate determinations with equity at the center.

You will conduct in-person and phone interviews, perform determinations and redeterminations, assist customers, and communicate decisions with respect.

Qualifications

• Active listening and asking clarifying questions to gather information.
• Ability to apply complex rules and policies to cases.
• Trauma-informed, culturally responsive service delivery.
• Experience serving the public and interpreting guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants in-person and by phone to gather information for benefits.
• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and reviews.
• Assist customers in-person and by phone who are applying for benefits.
• Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants clearly and respectfully.
• Create a welcoming, trauma-informed service environment and participate in ongoing cultural awareness.

Skills

Active listening

Trauma-informed approach

Cultural responsiveness

Collaborative relationships

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral/ Social Science or related field

Job description

Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist)

Salary Range: $4,519 - $5,988. Position Type: Employee.

Job Summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) Albany team is seeking a talented individual who has experience interviewing applicants to determine eligibility for programs and services through a trauma informed lens. 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 a 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.

• Interview applicants in-person and by phone to gather and assess information for benefits 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

• 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; OR
• 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.

Working Conditions

Your work schedule will be 8:05 a.m. – 5:05 p.m., Monday – Friday. Work is conducted in‑office and in‑person at our Albany ODHS office. There will not be remote work opportunities. May require sitting at a terminal 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

If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. 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.
• 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.

About Us

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.”