Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) – 3 vacancies!

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Job Description:

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively working to build an equitable agency with the Equity North Star as our guide toward our vision of an agency free of racism, discrimination and bias. We believe that teams in which everyone can show up as their full authentic self are key to creating a thriving workforce that can better serve communities. We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to apply.

Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is a program within ODHS that determines eligibility for people living in Oregon who apply for medical, food, cash and childcare benefits through the ONE eligibility system. OEP plays critical part in the eligibility process that moves beyond integration and equality, focusing on equity of services and providing timely, accurate, and necessary eligibility determinations through a person-centered approach.   

As an Eligibility Worker, you will:

• Interview applicants in-person and by phone to gather and assess information for benefits we administer, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Long Term Care (LTC) services, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), and various Medicaid (Health insurance) programs.
• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.
• Assist customers in-person and over the phone who are receiving or applying for benefits.
• Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants.
• Provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.
• Be responsible for accurate and timely eligibility determinations.
• Create a work environment where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated and valued.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and ongoing education of cultural awareness.

• One (1) year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist 1 level for the State of Oregon; OR

• Two (2) years of experience working with the public, providing assistance and interpreting and applying policies, rules, or guidelines; OR

• An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND six (6) 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.

• 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.

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience communicating complex and technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing, to people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience preparing and maintaining accurate and detailed client records and notes.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment.
• Experience independently managing workload using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to consistently meet deadlines. 
• Experience making decisions to resolve problems using independent judgment.
• Experience staying calm and professional when working with customers in challenging or emotional situations.

Attention all candidates!

• Your resume (optional) and cover letter (optional) may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
• 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 hiring process and will be used to determine your starting salary range if you are selected as a final candidate.
• Please include detailed work history that includes the month/year start date and month/year end date for each role/job. If applicable for college degrees, please clearly indicate if a degree has been completed when providing educational history (graduation dates are not required on applications).
• If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process.
• 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.
• 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.

• Your work schedule will be professional business hours, Monday – Friday.
• Work is conducted in-office and in-person at our SE Malden Street ODHS office.
• May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.
• You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may be experiencing emotional and/or financial distress.
• Consistent attendance is essential.
• Flexibility/adaptability is essential due to a changing environment with regular policy, program, and technical adjustments.

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.

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

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 Alissa Walker. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number:
• Email: ALISSA.WALKER@odhs.oregon.gov
• Phone (call or text): 503-519-1807