Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist)

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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! Are you an equity-minded professional with heart? Do you enjoy people, problem solving, and working with others to create a positive, productive and inclusive workplace? If so, keep reading - we may have your ideal job! 

Summary of Duties

As a Eligibility Worker, you will:

The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is the dedicated program for ensuring coordinated responsibility occurs in determining timely eligibility benefits for Oregonians seeking supports related to health, food security, employment, and cash benefits.

This primary focus of this program is making eligibility determinations for medical programs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS) while following the principles of Oregonian focused, Customer Service, Equity and Inclusion, Standardization, and Efficiency.

• Conduct in person interviews for Oregonians, collecting household details, current income, current resources, and other applicant information necessary to determine their social, habilitative, rehabilitative, therapeutic, food, medical, and safety needs.

• Utilize all applicable forms, computer systems, tools, and resources to make eligibility determinations at intake, when an Oregon renews benefits, and or when a recipient reports changes to household.

• Ensure appropriate documentation and forms are completed and sent, information is captured correctly, and actions taken are notated.

• Complete redetermination, periodic reviews, and change updates within federal timeframes and within appropriate intervals.

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

• Maintain working knowledge of programs and community resources and provide information and referrals to applicable parties.

• Ensure that service delivery is provided in a culturally competent way; provide communication to Oregonians in their preferred language/format by utilizing printed materials available in different languages/formats and use of language services available.

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 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 with intermediate-level computer skills using systems and software applications to enter, retrieve, and manage information.

• Experience planning, prioritizing, and completing work efficiently while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.

• Experience in conveying complex information clearly and professionally, both verbally and in written form to diverse audiences.

• Experience adapting with ease to changing environments and priorities.

Attention all candidates! A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED.

• 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 upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.

• 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 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

• Your work schedule will be 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday Pacific Standard Time (PST). Occasional overtime may be available.

• Employees in these positions may be required to work a flexible work schedule as a condition of employment. This is understood to mean that the hours of work may vary and could include evenings and weekends under certain circumstances.

• This position is assigned to the Store Front Office incumbent who will be working in an office environment in person. The office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise levels are sometimes high.

• This position may be processing work electronically. Work schedule specifics will be determined by the hiring supervisor.

• Travel may be required to meet business needs or to attend employee training classes. Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles. Reasonable accommodation per the ADA or creative solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.

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

• You will interact with a wide range of people, including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions. 

• You may encounter stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety of yourself and others.  

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

• 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.

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’ 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).  

• 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 Adrian Ortiz. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-205902.

• Email: adrian.x.ortiz@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 541-408-6557