Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Resource Groups

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is seeking an Eligibility Worker to assess eligibility for medical, food, cash and childcare benefits in a trauma-informed manner. You will interview applicants, determine eligibility, and communicate decisions with a focus on equity and person-centered service.

Join the Oregon Eligibility Partnership team in Albany to support vulnerable communities and contribute to a culture that values diversity, inclusion, and continuous development.

Qualifications

• Experience interviewing applicants to determine eligibility.
• Ability to apply complex rules with a trauma-informed approach.
• Strong communication and customer service in diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants in-person and by phone to gather information for benefits.
• Perform eligibility determinations 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, trauma-informed services to identify needs.

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral Science / Social Science or closely related field

Job description

Position Title

Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist)

Initial Posting Date

09/08/2026

Application Deadline

09/15/2026

Agency

Department of Human Services

Salary Range

$4,519 - $5,988

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits 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.

Opportunity awaits! Our 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. If you are looking for a meaningful career that serves Oregon’s most vulnerable community members, apply today to join our team!

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

• 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.

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. 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

• The recruiter for this position is Heather Whelan. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-206300.
• Email: [e-mail]
• Phone (call or text): 503-979-8682