Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3) - Bilingual Preferred: English/Spanish

Initial Posting Date:

08/15/2025

Application Deadline:

08/24/2025

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

4,023 - 5,575

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3) - Bilingual Preferred: English/Spanish

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.

Bilingual Preferred – English & Spanish

You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for this position.  If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply!  We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language.  If interested in using your bilingual language skills, upon passing the test, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay. 

Opportunity awaits!

Imagine being the lifeline for families in need, ensuring they receive the essential services that can transform their lives – This is the vital role of a Benefit & Eligibility Worker, where your commitment to fostering well-being and stability shapes the future of communities across the state. 

Our Salem office will be filling two vacancies - Don't wait, Apply today!

Summary of Duties

As a Benefit & Eligibility worker you will:

Determine Program Eligibility which includes;

• Conducting phone or in person interviews to gather household details, income, resources and other key information to assess their needs.

• Conduct collateral interviews or review supplemental materials as needed to make eligibility determination for applicable ODHS programs. 

• Use relevant forms, computer systems, and tools to determine eligibility at intake, during benefit renewals, and when recipients report household changes. 

• Explain applicant rights and responsibilities during the initial application interview and when benefits are changed and renewed. 

• Process data in a timely manner to ensure delivery of benefits and services.

Provide triage, information, and referrals to include:

• Work closely and collaboratively with Oregonians, other agencies, medical providers, and community partners to provide benefits, services, and information. 

• In supporting Oregonians, provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of experience determining eligibility for an agency program by interviewing to assess the needs of clients and interpreting and applying the policies, rules and guidelines applicable to the client’s situation. 

• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept. 

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience with communicating benefit and service decisions clearly, both verbally, and in writing, while adapting the approach for diverse audiences. 

• Experience navigating multiple software programs (I.e., Microsoft Word, Excel) and web-based platforms to cross reference or verify information.

• Experience reviewing documents and entering information into multiple systems with accuracy and confidentiality. 

• Experience prioritizing tasks and managing workloads to consistently meet competing deadlines. 

• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume office providing front line customer service. 

Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.

Attention all candidates!

• 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. If selected as the top candidate for this position, and education is a requirement in the minimum qualifications, please be prepared to provide verification of your college/university degree with month/year of completion for further consideration. 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.

Working Conditions

• This position will be required to be in office, Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM. 

• Travel may be required to meet business needs or to attend employee training. 

• Overtime or additional hours beyond your normal schedule is rare, however could be based on business needs.

• You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions.

• Work may be reviewed by leads, supervisors, quality assurance, audits, or through other quality activities such as reviewing information in ONE or phone calls with Oregonians. 

• Fast paced environment with constantly evolving policies and procedures.  Repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, and daily computer and technology use.

• This position requires good attendance and appropriate use to paid leave to ensure workload coverage for vacations and other leaves, as well as acceptable customer service for the Oregonians we serve.   

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.

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’ preference:

• Veterans’ preference information.

• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

General Information

• These are permanent, full-time positions and are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  

• 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 Rochelle Peters. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number. 

• Email: Rochelle.m.peters@odhs.oregon.gov