Public Benefits Specialist

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

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services in Portland is seeking two Public Benefits Specialists to assist Oregonians in-person at the Portland Branch. You will conduct eligibility determinations, interview applicants, and connect families to resources.

Strong communication, record-keeping, and policy interpretation are essential, with opportunities to grow within a culturally diverse and equity-driven public service environment; includes benefits and union representation.

Qualifications

• One year of experience at Human Services Specialist 1 level.
• Two years of experience with the public, applying policies and guidelines.
• Associate degree with six months of related experience, or equivalent.
• Equivalent education/training/experience may apply.

Responsibilities

• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and reviews for ODHS and partner programs.
• Interview applicants in person and by phone to gather information for benefits decisions.
• Assess client needs and connect families to available resources and programs.
• Update narratives and reports with new information from clients and sources.
• Learn about programs via the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).

Skills

Eligibility determinations

Interviewing

Policy interpretation

Record-keeping

Time management

Independent judgment

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral/Social Science or related field

Job description

Job Information

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
• Two years of experience working with the public, providing assistance and interpreting and applying policies, rules, or guidelines
• 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
• 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.

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

About Oregon State Government

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, etc. 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.”