Public Benefits Specialist (Benefit & Eligibility Worker)
State of Oregon, Salem, Oregon, us, 97308
Overview
Position Title Public Benefits Specialist (Benefit & Eligibility Worker) Initial Posting Date 02/02/2026 Application Deadline 02/09/2026 Agency Department of Human Services Salary Range $4,519 - $5,988 Position Type Employee Location Florence, Oregon Branch 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 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! Looking for a rewarding career where you can work alongside a team of dedicated individuals to support Oregonians? This opportunity offers growth and the chance to positively impact lives. As a Public Benefits Specialist / Benefit & Eligibility Worker, you will work in the Florence, Oregon Branch assisting Oregonians in-person. This position is not eligible for remote work.
Responsibilities
Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates to changes for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs. Interview applicants in person, by phone and via our online applicant portal to gather information needed to assess and determine if there is a need for services and benefits. Assess client family strengths and needs, connect families to other community resources and programs. Update narrative report summarizing new information from client and collateral sources, findings of home visit, and conclusions. Serve a diverse range of customers with compassion and professionalism through a trauma informed lens. Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).
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: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to continued learning and the ability to promote a culture of equitable treatment, belonging, and commitment to fostering an anti-racist workplace. Detailed-Oriented/Organization skills: Experience completing tasks or projects timely in a fast-paced, high volume business setting and conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents for accuracy and follow up. Customer Service: Experience providing customer service in a professional environment to a high volume of diverse customers in a manner that demonstrates active listening and compassion. Communication: Experience explaining technical information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to individuals and groups who are unfamiliar with the subject and/or learn and communicate differently than you. Computer Skills: Demonstrated experience in using computers, web browsers, and programs such as Excel, Word, Outlook, etc., experience should include using multiple systems in tandem for research, tracking data and results. Active Listening: Experience demonstrating active listening; listening to understand, retain information and applying lessons-learned to varying environments and situations; welcoming constructive feedback and suggestions to strengthen work performance. Adaptability: Demonstrated capacity to adapt to changes in the work environment including but not limited to: policies, programs, tools, and priorities. Is able to welcome change as an ongoing reality in the work environment.
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
Work is conducted in offices and other program sites. This position is not eligible for remote work. May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday. Contact with the public, including contact with Oregonians experiencing emotional and financial stress. Experience high volume of computer work, using various computer programs in a fast-paced environment. Priorities and procedures may change daily and require the ability to be flexible in application of procedures.
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. Oregon National Guard. Form DA5016, DD214 or NGB22 Required. Eligible starting January 2026. 5% awarded.
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. Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.
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 Brent Lawrence. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number. Email: Brent.Lawrence@odhs.oregon.gov
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Position Title Public Benefits Specialist (Benefit & Eligibility Worker) Initial Posting Date 02/02/2026 Application Deadline 02/09/2026 Agency Department of Human Services Salary Range $4,519 - $5,988 Position Type Employee Location Florence, Oregon Branch 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 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! Looking for a rewarding career where you can work alongside a team of dedicated individuals to support Oregonians? This opportunity offers growth and the chance to positively impact lives. As a Public Benefits Specialist / Benefit & Eligibility Worker, you will work in the Florence, Oregon Branch assisting Oregonians in-person. This position is not eligible for remote work.
Responsibilities
Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates to changes for ODHS, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs. Interview applicants in person, by phone and via our online applicant portal to gather information needed to assess and determine if there is a need for services and benefits. Assess client family strengths and needs, connect families to other community resources and programs. Update narrative report summarizing new information from client and collateral sources, findings of home visit, and conclusions. Serve a diverse range of customers with compassion and professionalism through a trauma informed lens. Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP).
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: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to continued learning and the ability to promote a culture of equitable treatment, belonging, and commitment to fostering an anti-racist workplace. Detailed-Oriented/Organization skills: Experience completing tasks or projects timely in a fast-paced, high volume business setting and conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents for accuracy and follow up. Customer Service: Experience providing customer service in a professional environment to a high volume of diverse customers in a manner that demonstrates active listening and compassion. Communication: Experience explaining technical information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to individuals and groups who are unfamiliar with the subject and/or learn and communicate differently than you. Computer Skills: Demonstrated experience in using computers, web browsers, and programs such as Excel, Word, Outlook, etc., experience should include using multiple systems in tandem for research, tracking data and results. Active Listening: Experience demonstrating active listening; listening to understand, retain information and applying lessons-learned to varying environments and situations; welcoming constructive feedback and suggestions to strengthen work performance. Adaptability: Demonstrated capacity to adapt to changes in the work environment including but not limited to: policies, programs, tools, and priorities. Is able to welcome change as an ongoing reality in the work environment.
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
Work is conducted in offices and other program sites. This position is not eligible for remote work. May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday. Contact with the public, including contact with Oregonians experiencing emotional and financial stress. Experience high volume of computer work, using various computer programs in a fast-paced environment. Priorities and procedures may change daily and require the ability to be flexible in application of procedures.
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. Oregon National Guard. Form DA5016, DD214 or NGB22 Required. Eligible starting January 2026. 5% awarded.
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. Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.
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 Brent Lawrence. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number. Email: Brent.Lawrence@odhs.oregon.gov
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