Public Benefits Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual salary increases

Excellent benefits package

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (elig.

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services in Baker City seeks an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) to determine eligibility for ODHS programs and to connect families with essential resources. This in-person role supports residents in rural eastern Oregon and works through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership.

Responsibilities include interviewing applicants, updating client records, and preparing narrative summaries while maintaining high accuracy and compassion in service delivery.

Qualifications

• One year of experience at the Human Services Specialist 1 level or two years of public service experience.
• Associate degree plus six months of public service experience, or equivalent combo.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, rules, or guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews for multiple ODHS programs.
• Interview applicants in person/phone/email to gather information for benefits decisions.
• Assess client needs and connect families to services and resources.
• Update narrative reports with new information from clients and sources.

Skills

Clear communication

Record keeping

Data entry accuracy

Policy interpretation

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science or related field

Job description

Job Description

Initial Posting Date: 10/15/2026

Application Deadline: 10/29/2026

Agency: Department of Human Services

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

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Public Benefits Specialist

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!

Looking for meaningful work with purpose? As an Eligibility Worker, you’ll support individuals and families in your community, providing resources that help them thrive. Step into a career where your impact truly matters.

As an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist), you will work in the Baker City Branch assisting Oregonians in-person. Baker City is in rural eastern Oregon.

Summary Of Duties

• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates to changes for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (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 report summarizing new information from client and collateral sources.

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 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

• Experience communicating complex and technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing, to people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough client records and narratives.
• Experience accurately entering and verifying detailed data, including calculations.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment.
• Demonstrated effectively prioritizing tasks and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Experience staying calm and professional when working with applicants or clients in challenging or emotional situations.

Working Conditions

• This position is based in the Baker City office. Work is conducted in offices and other program sites.
• May interact with clients who are under emotional or financial stress.
• May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.
• This position is in the storefront office.

Background Checks And Requirements

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background checks 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.
• A driver’s license and acceptable driving record may be required for this 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 salary range listed).
• 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).
• 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%.
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

• The recruiter for this position is Yvette Medford. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number.
• Email: [e-mail]
• Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306

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