Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) Bilingual Russian Preferred Not Required

State of Oregon

Milwaukie (OR)

On-site

USD 54,000 - 72,000

Full time

7 days ago

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Job summary

State of Oregon's Department of Human Services in Milwaukie seeks an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist). You will interview applicants to determine eligibility for SNAP, LTC, TANF, ERDC, and Medicaid, and perform determinations and reviews. The role emphasizes trauma-informed, person-centered service in a diverse community.

Preference is given to bilingual candidates in Russian and English. This is an in-office, full-time position with opportunities for professional development and

Qualifications

One year of experience as Human Services Specialist 1 or equivalent.
Two years of experience serving the public and applying policies.
Associate degree plus six months of public-serving experience or an equivalent combination.

Responsibilities

Interview applicants in person and by phone to gather and assess information for benefits such as SNAP, LTC, TANF, ERDC, and Medicaid programs.
Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.
Assist customers in-person and over the phone who are applying for or receiving benefits.
Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants clearly and timely.
Provide person-centered, trauma-informed services to identify needs.
Create a welcoming, respectful work environment and promote cultural awareness.
Engage in professional development and ongoing education on cultural responsiveness.

Skills

Public benefits experience

Customer service

Bilingual Russian (preferred)

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral/Social Science or related field

Job description

Initial Posting Date:

09/21/2026

Application Deadline:

09/28/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,519 - $5,988

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) Bilingual Russian Preferred Not Required

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.

Are you fluent in English and Russian? Our diverse communities benefit from bilingual support. While not a requirement, preference will be given to candidates who possess this valuable skill.

Opportunity awaits! Our Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) Milwaukie team is seeking 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!

Summary of Duties

As an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist, 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 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 accurately applying complex rules and policies to various types of cases or circumstances.

Experience serving a high volume of diverse customers in a trauma informed and culturally responsive manner.

Experience developing collaborative relationships with colleagues and community partners that foster trust, inclusivity, and respect.

Experience actively listening to customers and asking clarifying and open-ended questions to gather complete and relevant information.

Experience independently managing workload using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to consistently meet deadlines.

Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Russian and English.

Working Conditions

Your work schedule will be 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Work is conducted in-office and in-person at our Milwaukie 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.

Driver Record Screening: As part of the pre-employment background check, applicants may be asked to complete a driving record review. A driving record that does not meet agency standards will not, by itself, disqualify an applicant from employment when driving is not an essential function of the position.

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.

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.