Public Benefits Specialist

Department of Revenue; Los Angeles (CA); Presencial; USD 50.000 - 67.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

ODHS Employee Resource Group

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Amazing benefits package

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Descripción de la vacante

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, guiding equity and diversity through our RiSE culture. Opportunity awaits for a Public Benefits Specialist in La Grande, eastern Oregon, to help Oregonians through data-informed services addressing social determinants of health.

You will perform eligibility determinations, interview applicants, assess family needs, and update narratives as part of the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).

Formación

• One year of experience at HSS1 level for the State of Oregon or two years of public-facing experience with policy interpretation.
• Associate degree in Behavioral Science or related field plus six months of public-facing experience.
• Equivalent education, training, and experience accepted.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record required.

Responsabilidades

• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, periodic reviews and changes updates for ODHS, OHA, and DELC programs.
• Interview applicants in person, by phone, or by email to gather information for benefits eligibility.
• Assess client family needs, connecting to resources and programs.
• Update narrative reports summarizing information from clients and collateral sources.

Descripción del empleo

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 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

As a Public Benefits Specialist , you will:

• 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.

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.
• 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.

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. (https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/background-checks/Pages/faq.aspx)
• 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.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group (https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/about/pages/workforce-diversity.aspx) 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 (https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Benefits.aspx).
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service).

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. (https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Veterans.aspx)

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 (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oregon.gov%2Fpers%2FPages%2Findex.aspx&data=05%7C02%7CErin.MENNE%40odot.oregon.gov%7C6e1f2a323fc14ccf961008dcbe4b7f59%7C28b0d01346bc4a648d861c8a31cf590d%7C0%7C0%7C638594478685250058%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Fuks5JSLRxrHcwVFKJTCMR40DVckIMQb3XsYnYLaYEM%3D&reserved=0) monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase (https://www.oregon.gov/das/hr/pages/cc.aspx) by 6.95%.
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.