Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) – 2 vacancies!

Department of Revenue; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Group

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Amazing benefits package

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking two Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) to join the Portland NE Killingsworth Street office. These in-person roles interview applicants to determine eligibility for programs, using a trauma-informed approach.

Two vacancies, permanent full-time, with an emphasis on equity and serving Oregon’s vulnerable communities. Salary range $4,519–$5,988 monthly, benefits include COLA, annual raises, and access to the Public Service Loan

Qualifications

• One year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist 1 level for the State of Oregon.
• Two 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Determine Program Eligibility: Conduct phone or in-person interviews to gather household details, income, resources, and other key information to assess their needs.
• Conduct collateral interviews or review supplemental materials as needed to make eligibility determination for applicable ODHS programs.
• Explain applicant rights and responsibilities during the initial application interview and when benefits are changed and renewed.
• Process data in a timely manner to ensure delivery of benefits and services.

Job description

Initial Posting Date:
10/05/2026

Application Deadline:
10/13/2026

Agency:
Department of Human Services

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

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:
Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) – 2 vacancies!

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) NE Portland office is seeking two (2) talented individuals who have 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!

As an Eligibility Worker , you will work in the Portland Branch (on NE Killingsworth Street) assisting Oregonians in-person.

Summary of Duties

As an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) , you will:

• Determine Program Eligibility: Conduct phone or in-person interviews to gather household details, income, resources, and other key information to assess their needs.
• Conduct collateral interviews or review supplemental materials as needed to make eligibility determination for applicable ODHS programs.
• Use relevant forms, computer systems, and tools todetermineeligibility at intake, during benefit renewals, and when recipients report household changes.
• Explain applicant rights and responsibilities during theinitialapplication interview and when benefits are changed and renewed.
• Process datain a timely mannerto ensure delivery of benefits and services.

Provide triage, information, and referrals:

• Work closely and collaboratively with Oregonians, other agencies, medical providers, and community partners to provide benefits,servicesand information.
• In supporting Oregonians, provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach toidentifyneeds.

Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist 1 level for the State of Oregon. OR
• Two 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 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

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience in communicating both verbally and in writing, complex and technical information in an understandable language to individuals with diverse educational, linguistic, cultural backgrounds.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment with frequently changing processes.
• Experience prioritizing tasks and managing time to meet deadlines while using independent judgment to enhance overall productivity.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough client records and narratives.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining composure and professionalism while effectively engaging with applicants or clients in escalated or emotionally charged situations.

Working Conditions

• Work Locations: In-Office position in Portland, Oregon on NE Killingsworth Street.
• Work Environment: The office consists of cubicles, leading to frequent interruptions and a sometimes-high noise level.
• This role involves frequentin person andphone communication and electronic processing of work.
• Fast-paced environment with constantly evolving policies and procedures. Repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, and daily computer and technology use.
• Work may be reviewed by leads, supervisors, Quality Assurance, audits, or through other quality activities such as reviewing information in ONE or phone calls with Oregonians.
• Hours: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday.
• Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and otherwork-relatedactivities.
• This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment.
• You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions.
• Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety for yourself and others.

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. (https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/background-checks/Pages/faq.aspx)
• 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.
• May require a valid driver's license or other acceptable method of transportation.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group (https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/about/pages/workforce-diversity.aspx) 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 (https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Benefits.aspx).
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service).

Employment Preference

Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference:

• E ligible 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. (https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Veterans.aspx)

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 Cris Jansen. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number:
• Email: [e-mail]