Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist), Bilingual Required; English/Russian

Initial Posting Date:

12/18/2025

Application Deadline:

12/28/2025

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

4,409.00 - 5,842.00

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist), Bilingual Required; English/Russian

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!

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. 

Bilingual Required: English & Russian

• This position is bilingual and requires duties to be carried out in both English and Russian.

• The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position.

• This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test.

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    

Bilingual in English and Russian; The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position.

• 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 a 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 demonstrating resilience by managing setbacks, delays, or unexpected challenges constructively.

• Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents. 

• Experience collaborating and communicating effectively both verbally and in writing with customers, colleagues, and diverse communities.

• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment with frequently changing processes. 

Attention all candidates!

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 selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

• 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 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. 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.

• 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.

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, high office noise levels, 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.

• HB3187:  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. 

• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position. 

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

• 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.

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.