Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) – 3 vacancies!

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

Salary increases

Benefits package

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

ODHS Oregon Eligibility Partnership is seeking Eligibility Workers to connect residents with medical, food, cash, and childcare benefits. The role emphasizes equity, trauma-informed service, and timely decisions in a fast-paced, in-person and office setting.

You will interview applicants, determine eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, and related programs, maintain accurate records, and collaborate with teams to support diverse communities while upholding ODHS standards.

Qualifications

• One year of experience at Human Services Specialist 1 level or two years public experience; OR an associate degree with six months public experience; OR equivalent combination.
• Experience communicating complex information clearly to diverse backgrounds.
• Experience preparing and maintaining accurate client records and notes.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations.
• Experience independently managing workload to meet deadlines.
• Experience making decisions to resolve problems using independent judgment.
• Experience staying calm and professional when interacting with customers.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants in-person and by phone to assess information for benefits (SNAP, LTC, TANF, ERDC, Medicaid).
• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.
• Assist customers in-person and over the phone who are applying for benefits.
• Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants.
• Provide person-centered, trauma-informed services 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 and ongoing education of cultural awareness.

Skills

Communication

Record keeping

Policy interpretation

Time management

Decision making

Emotional resilience

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral Science or related

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

Position Title Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) – 3 vacancies!

Initial Posting Date 09/24/2026

Application Deadline 10/01/2026

Agency Department of Human Services

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

Position Type Employee

Position Title Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) – 3 vacancies!

Job Description

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively working to build an equitable agency with the Equity North Star as our guide toward our vision of an agency free of racism, discrimination and bias. We believe that teams in which everyone can show up as their full authentic self are key to creating a thriving workforce that can better serve communities. We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to apply.

Opportunity awaits!

Discover a rewarding path where you support your community and grow your career. Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) Eligibility Workers play a key role in connecting people with programs that foster stability and well-being.

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; 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 complex and technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing, to people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience preparing and maintaining accurate and detailed client records and notes.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment.
• Experience independently managing workload using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to consistently meet deadlines.
• Experience making decisions to resolve problems using independent judgment.
• Experience staying calm and professional when working with customers in challenging or emotional situations.

Working Conditions

• Your work schedule will be professional business hours, Monday – Friday.
• Work is conducted in-office and in-person at our SE Malden Street ODHS office.
• 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.
• May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.

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.
• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.

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.