Senior Benefits Navigator

NWSDS; Woodburn (OR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

NWSDS is seeking an Eligibility Specialist to help older adults and individuals with disabilities access benefits, determine eligibility, and support ongoing enrollment with accuracy and respect.

You will interview clients, review documents, apply program rules, and collaborate with partners such as DHS, Oregon Health Authority, SSA, and medical providers to ensure timely benefit access and client-centered service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or four years of relevant public assistance experience.
• Successful completion of a language proficiency test for bilingual positions.

Responsibilities

• Interview individuals by phone or in person to determine eligibility for financial, medical, and SNAP programs.
• Review applications, verify documentation, and apply program rules to determine eligibility.
• Maintain accurate consumer records and process forms, updates, and benefit changes in a timely manner.
• Conduct annual eligibility reviews and communicate re-determination requirements and decisions.
• Assist consumers with ongoing benefit maintenance and respond to questions or changes as needed.
• Coordinate with DHS, Oregon Health Authority, SSA, medical providers, and other service organizations.
• Attend hearings or provide testimony when needed regarding consumer eligibility.
• Support person-centered service by helping consumers understand available resources and access appropriate assistance.
• Follow agency policies, confidentiality requirements, and mandatory reporting obligations while maintaining quality and accuracy standards.
• Communicate directly with consumers whose primary language is not English.
• Interpret and explain forms, program requirements, rules, and policies in the identified language pair.
• Translate written materials as needed.

Skills

Program rules

Organizational skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Data entry

Independent work

Cultural responsiveness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Social Sciences, Human Services, or related field

Four years of relevant experience providing public assistance support

Tools

Database software

Office software

Job description

NWSDS is seeking an Eligibility Specialist to help older adults and individuals with disabilities access benefits, determine eligibility, and support ongoing enrollment with accuracy and respect.

You will interview clients, review documents, apply program rules, and collaborate with partners such as DHS, Oregon Health Authority, SSA, and medical providers to ensure timely benefit access and client-centered service.