State of Oregon
Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) | Bilingual English/Spanish pref
State of Oregon, Estacada, Oregon, United States, 97023
Initial Posting Information
Initial Posting Date: 11/20/2025 Application Deadline: 12/01/2025 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $4,409 – $5,842 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) | Bilingual English/Spanish preferred – not required! Job Description
The Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our vision for a positive 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! Join a team dedicated to ensuring fairness, accuracy, and timely access to essential services for individuals and families in need. As an Eligibility Worker, you will play a crucial role in conducting assessments, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates—helping recipients maintain eligibility across all OEP programs. Your work has a direct impact on fostering equity, well‑being, and stability in communities across the state. Summary of Duties
Determine Program Eligibility: Conduct phone or in‑person interviews to gather household details, income, resources, and other key information to assess 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: 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
One year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist I 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
Experience interviewing customers/clients to elicit pertinent information and determine eligibility. Experience cooperating within a team to find solutions and make decisions that support agency goals. Experience working with people under emotional and/or financial stress and from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Experience completing technical and detailed work using basic mathematics and software tools while maintaining accuracy. Experience communicating decisions regarding the approval or denial of benefits while engaging diverse populations and individuals that face communication challenges. Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment with frequently changing processes. Working Conditions
Work Locations: Offices and community sites. Hours: Monday — Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Regular work week with fluctuating hours based on office business needs. Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other office‑related activities. This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma‑informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment. You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions. Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision‑making to ensure safety for yourself and others. 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. The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the U.S. 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
Cost of Living Adjustments. Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range). Possible eligibility for additional state benefits. 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 [Name omitted]. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-190366. Additional application details
Additional requirements and policies: 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 make sure your application materials, including your 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 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 (AI) 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. Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application. The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. Immediately after you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.
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Initial Posting Date: 11/20/2025 Application Deadline: 12/01/2025 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $4,409 – $5,842 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) | Bilingual English/Spanish preferred – not required! Job Description
The Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our vision for a positive 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! Join a team dedicated to ensuring fairness, accuracy, and timely access to essential services for individuals and families in need. As an Eligibility Worker, you will play a crucial role in conducting assessments, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates—helping recipients maintain eligibility across all OEP programs. Your work has a direct impact on fostering equity, well‑being, and stability in communities across the state. Summary of Duties
Determine Program Eligibility: Conduct phone or in‑person interviews to gather household details, income, resources, and other key information to assess 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: 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
One year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist I 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
Experience interviewing customers/clients to elicit pertinent information and determine eligibility. Experience cooperating within a team to find solutions and make decisions that support agency goals. Experience working with people under emotional and/or financial stress and from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Experience completing technical and detailed work using basic mathematics and software tools while maintaining accuracy. Experience communicating decisions regarding the approval or denial of benefits while engaging diverse populations and individuals that face communication challenges. Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment with frequently changing processes. Working Conditions
Work Locations: Offices and community sites. Hours: Monday — Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Regular work week with fluctuating hours based on office business needs. Travel: Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other office‑related activities. This role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma‑informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment. You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions. Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision‑making to ensure safety for yourself and others. 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. The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the U.S. 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
Cost of Living Adjustments. Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range). Possible eligibility for additional state benefits. 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 [Name omitted]. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-190366. Additional application details
Additional requirements and policies: 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 make sure your application materials, including your 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 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 (AI) 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. Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application. The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. Immediately after you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.
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