Public Benefits Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Resource Groups

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Amazing benefits package

PSLF program

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services seeks a Public Benefits Specialist in Pendleton to perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews for ODHS programs. You will interview applicants in person or by phone and gather information to assess needs and benefits.

You will connect families to resources, maintain written documentation, and learn about the Oregon Eligibility Partnership.

Qualifications

• One year of experience as Human Services Specialist 1 or two years of public-facing experience with policy interpretation.
• Associate degree in Behavioral or Social Science or closely related field, plus six months' experience.
• Ability to interview in person/phone/email and document interactions clearly.

Responsibilities

• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews for ODHS and partner programs.
• Interview applicants in person, by phone, or by email to gather information for benefits decisions.
• Assess client needs and connect families to other resources and programs.
• Update narrative reports with new information and conclusions.
• Learn about programs through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).

Skills

Interviewing

Data entry

Attention to detail

Written documentation

Policy communication

Trauma-informed service

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral Science or Social Science

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 10/02/2026 Application Deadline: 10/12/2026 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 a Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist), you will work in the Pendleton Branch assisting Oregonians in-person.

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 conclusions.
• 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 working in a social/human services setting, interviewing to obtain information in person and over the phone.
• Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
• Experience using basic mathematics in a work environment.
• Experience in creating and maintaining written documentation of interactions with clients.
• Experience communicating decisions, rules, regulations, policies and procedures to clients or customers.
• Experience providing trauma informed customer service to community members who have historically been marginalized, underserved, in crisis, or disadvantaged.

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

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 works 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. 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.

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

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 Yvette Medford. Email: [e-mail] Phone (call or text): 541-709-0306

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime!

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”