Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist)

Oregon Department of Human Services; Lebanon (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking an Eligibility Worker for the Oregon Eligibility Partnership. You will interview applicants in-person to gather information, determine eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, cash, and childcare benefits, and communicate decisions with a person-centered approach.

Join a diverse team and contribute to equitable service delivery while adhering to program rules and privacy standards.

Qualifications

• 1 year of Human Services Specialist 1 level experience (OR 2 years public-facing experience).
• Associate degree in Behavioral/Social Science and 6 months public service experience.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants in person to assess information for benefits.
• Perform high-volume interviews and determine eligibility.
• Assist customers applying for benefits and explain eligibility decisions.
• Maintain accurate data and protect confidentiality.
• Support equitable, trauma-informed customer service.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Trauma-informed approach

Data entry accuracy

Customer service

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral/Social Science

Job description

Job Description

Agency: Department of Human Services

Salary Range: $4,519 - $5,988

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist)

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. 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!

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 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 a high volume of face-to-face interviews determining eligibility, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.
• Assist customers in-person 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

• 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; 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 communicating decisions regarding the approval or denial of benefits or services and explaining rules, procedures, or other complex information verbally and in writing.
• Experience completing high-volume work while meeting established deadlines and maintaining accuracy in data entry and document review.
• Experience handling confidential or sensitive information in accordance with established policies, procedures, or confidentiality requirements.
• Experience providing person-centered customer service using a trauma informed approach.
• Experience gathering and applying information from individuals to understand their needs, respond appropriately, and complete work accurately.
• Experience collaborating with internal or external partners to coordinate work, exchange information, resolve issues, or achieve shared goals.

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.

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.

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 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Your work will be conducted in person at our Lebanon ODHS office. This position does not offer remote work. Your work will involve a high volume of interviews and may include extended periods of sitting at a computer or using the telephone. Your work will involve interacting with a diverse range of people, including individuals who may have experienced trauma or be experiencing emotional and/or financial distress. Your consistent attendance and reliability are essential to supporting your team and the people we serve. Your ability to adapt to change will be important as you navigate regular updates to policies, programs, and technology.