Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) – Spanish bilingual preferred

Oregon Department of Human Services; Grants Pass (OR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Amazing benefits package

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Cost of Living Adjustments

Job summary

Oregon Department of Human Services in Grants Pass is seeking an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist). This role interviews applicants to determine program eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits, using a trauma-informed approach.

Preference will be given to candidates bilingual in Spanish and English; bilingual pay differential applies after testing. The position is in-office, full-time, with a focus on equity and client-centered service.

Qualifications

• Experience interviewing applicants to determine eligibility for benefits.
• Ability to apply policies and guidelines with fairness and accuracy.
• Strong communication and trauma-informed service practices.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants in-person and by phone to gather eligibility information.
• Perform eligibility determinations and redeterminations.
• Assist customers in-person and over the phone for benefits.
• Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants clearly.
• Provide trauma-informed, person-centered services.
• Ensure timely and accurate eligibility determinations.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive work environment.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and cultural awareness.

Skills

Active listening

Critical thinking

Clear communication

Time management

Team player

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral Science or related field

Equivalent education/experience

Job description

Position Title

Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) – Spanish bilingual preferred

Initial Posting Date

10/12/2026

Application Deadline

10/19/2026

Agency

Department of Human Services

Salary Range

$4,519 - $5,988

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) – Spanish bilingual preferred

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) Grants Pass 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.

Spanish/English bilingual preferred position: You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for this position. However, preference will be given to candidates who are bilingual in Spanish and English. We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. If you are bilingual, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency.

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 (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 (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

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience actively listening to customers and asking clarifying, open-ended questions to gather complete and relevant information.
• Experience applying critical thinking and sound judgment to make informed decisions using available data and resources.
• Experience communicating complex and technical information clearly to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience organizing tasks and managing time effectively to meet established deadlines.
• Experience contributing as a dependable and approachable team member, welcoming feedback and suggestions to strengthen work performance.

Attention all candidates – a cover letter is required!

• Clearly describe how you meet the essential attributes listed above in your cover letter.
• Your resume (optional) and cover letter (required) may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. Do not upload documents in the Education section, as those are not visible to recruiters or hiring managers at this time.
• Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the hiring process and will be used to determine your starting salary range if you are selected as a final candidate.
• Please include detailed work history that includes the month/year start date and month/year end date for each role/job. If applicable for college degrees, please clearly indicate if a degree has been completed when providing educational history (graduation dates are not required on applications).
• If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.
• 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.
• The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.

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 Grants Pass 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%.

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.

• The recruiter for this position is Alissa Walker. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-207211
• Email: [e-mail]
• Phone (call or text): 503-519-1807