Public Benefits Specialist

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

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

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 real impact? Join a dedicated team supporting Oregonians through a community-centered, data-informed approach that addresses social determinants of health and creates lasting change.

As an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist), you will work in the La Grande Branch assisting Oregonians in-person. La Grande 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 reports summarizing new information from client and collateral sources.

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.
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.

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 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

Work is conducted in offices and other program sites. This position is based in the La Grande office. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.