Public Benefits Specialist

oregon; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ODHS Employee Resource Group

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Amazing benefits package

Possible PSLF eligibility

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking two Public Benefits Specialist positions in the Portland Branch, on N. Webster Street, to assist Oregonians in-person.

This permanent, full-time role works within the ODHS/OHA/DELC programs to determine eligibility and connect families to resources. Ideal candidates have experience with public assistance, strong communication skills, and the ability to maintain client records.

Qualifications

• One year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist 1 level or equivalent, OR two years of public-facing experience.
• Associate degree plus six months of public-facing experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates for ODHS, OHA, and DELC programs.
• Interview applicants in person and by phone to collect information for service needs.
• Assess client family strengths and needs, connecting families to resources and programs.
• Update narrative reports summarizing new information from clients and collateral sources.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Verbal and written communication

Time management

Judgment and decision making

Calm under pressure

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral Science, Social Science or closely related field

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 09/29/2026

Application Deadline: 10/06/2026

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 a rewarding career where you can work alongside a team of dedicated individuals to support Oregonians? This opportunity offers growth and the chance to positively impact lives.

We are currently seeking to fill TWO (2) Public Benefits Specialist positions.

As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will work in the Portland Branch (on N. Webster Street) 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 and by phone 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 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 communicating complex and technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing, to people from various socioeconomic 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 in making decisions to resolve problems using independent judgment.
• Experience staying calm and professional when working with applicants or clients in challenging or emotional situations.

Working Conditions

• Work schedule is a tradition work week, Monday-Friday.

• 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.

Attention all candidates!

Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

• Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• 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.
• 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.

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. 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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