Public Benefits Eligibility Specialist — Rural Oregon

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

Benefits offered by this job

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is seeking an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) to join the La Grande office in rural eastern Oregon. You will perform eligibility determinations, conduct interviews, assess needs, and connect families to services in person or remotely as needed.

This is a permanent, full-time role with a strong emphasis on equity, professional communication, and thorough client records.

Qualifications

• One year of experience 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates to changes for ODHS, OHA, and DELC programs.
• Interview applicants in person, by phone, by email to gather information needed to assess and determine if there is a need for services and benefits.
• Assess client family strengths and needs, connecting families to other resources and programs.
• Update narrative reports summarizing new information from client and collateral sources.

Skills

Policy interpretation

Client communication

Documentation

Time management

Interviewing

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral Science or Social Science

Job description

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is seeking an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) to join the La Grande office in rural eastern Oregon. You will perform eligibility determinations, conduct interviews, assess needs, and connect families to services in person or remotely as needed.

This is a permanent, full-time role with a strong emphasis on equity, professional communication, and thorough client records.