Public Benefits Specialist

State of Oregon; The Dalles (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Amazing benefits package

Cost of Living Adjustments

Annual salary increases

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services seeks a Public Benefits Specialist to join the The Dalles office, assisting Oregonians in-person and supporting eligibility determinations for ODHS, OHA, and DELC programs. You will interview applicants, assess family needs, and connect them with community resources through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).

This is a full-time, on-site role with a focus on equity, diversity, and serving diverse communities.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in a human services role using policies, rules, or guidelines.
• Ability to interview in person or by phone to gather needed information.
• Experience connecting clients with resources and programs.

Responsibilities

• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and reviews for ODHS, OHA, and DELC programs.
• Interview applicants in person and by phone to gather information for benefit decisions.
• Assess client needs and connect families to additional resources.
• Document updated information and conclusions in narratives.

Skills

Customer service

Policy interpretation

Communication

Cultural competence

Adaptability

Education

Associate degree in Behavioral Science or Social Science

Job description

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.

As a Public Benefits Specialist , you will work in The Dalles office assisting Oregonians in-person.

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 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.

• You will update narrative report summarizing new information from client and collateral sources and document 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

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience providing services tailored to meet the cultural needs of the individuals served.

• Experience providing guidance and clarification on customer specific case or account details.

• Demonstrated track record of providing clear, accurate, and timely responses to customer needs.

• Experience providing appropriate referrals to ODHS programs and community resources.

• Experience adapting and integrating new or updated policies, procedures, and systems into daily workflow.

• Experience utilizing multiple software systems.

Working Conditions

• Work schedule is a traditional 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

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