Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefit Specialist), Bilingual English/Span
Oregon Department of Human Services, Klamath Falls, OR, United States
Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefit Specialist)
Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred
Initial Posting Date:
03/05/2026
Application Deadline:
03/15/2026
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$4,519 - $5,988
Position Type:
Employee
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 you’re interested in using your bilingual language skills, you may qualify for a 5% bilingual differential pay increase after successfully passing the language proficiency test. Opportunity awaits! Imagine being a guiding light for those in need. You have an opportunity to embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect as you build trust during difficult moments. Make a difference in people's lives while nurturing your career.
Summary Of Duties
Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.
Conduct interviews with applicants applying for benefits.
Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants.
Provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.
Be responsible for accurate and timely eligibility determinations across the state.
Create a work environment where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated and valued.
Participate in professional development opportunities and ongoing education of cultural awareness.
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
Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
Experience adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
Experience providing customer service that is person centered and trauma informed.
Demonstrated experience navigating multiple desktop and web-based applications, with the ability to troubleshoot common technical issues.
Demonstrated experience in building inclusive relationships with colleagues and clients through empathy, professionalism, and mutual respect.
Working Conditions
This is an in-person position, duties will be conducted in an office setting.
Environment: Office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise level is sometimes high.
Employee’s work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT.
Occasional, compensated overtime may be required or voluntary, including evening and weekend work.
Travel may be required to support business operations, attend training programs, or perform work within the community. Must possess a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles.
May encounter situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure the safety of oneself or others.
You will communicate with Oregon residents frequently over the phone and in-person.
This position requires a good attendance pattern.
May encounter angry, hostile, frustrated individuals as well as those with behavioral or cognitive challenges.
Fast paced environment with constantly evolving policies and procedures. Repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, and daily computer and technology use.
Application Materials and Process
Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Please ensure that all education and experience you would like considered are included in your application materials. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. You can attach multiple files in this area at once.
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. 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.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: 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.
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 Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions.
Recruiter: Sugei Hernandez
Email: Sugei.Hernandez@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone (call or text): 971-375-8675.
Job Requisition Number: REQ-195689.
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Initial Posting Date:
03/05/2026
Application Deadline:
03/15/2026
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$4,519 - $5,988
Position Type:
Employee
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 you’re interested in using your bilingual language skills, you may qualify for a 5% bilingual differential pay increase after successfully passing the language proficiency test. Opportunity awaits! Imagine being a guiding light for those in need. You have an opportunity to embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect as you build trust during difficult moments. Make a difference in people's lives while nurturing your career.
Summary Of Duties
Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.
Conduct interviews with applicants applying for benefits.
Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants.
Provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.
Be responsible for accurate and timely eligibility determinations across the state.
Create a work environment where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated and valued.
Participate in professional development opportunities and ongoing education of cultural awareness.
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
Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
Experience adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
Experience providing customer service that is person centered and trauma informed.
Demonstrated experience navigating multiple desktop and web-based applications, with the ability to troubleshoot common technical issues.
Demonstrated experience in building inclusive relationships with colleagues and clients through empathy, professionalism, and mutual respect.
Working Conditions
This is an in-person position, duties will be conducted in an office setting.
Environment: Office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise level is sometimes high.
Employee’s work schedule will be Monday - Friday from 8 am - 5 pm PT.
Occasional, compensated overtime may be required or voluntary, including evening and weekend work.
Travel may be required to support business operations, attend training programs, or perform work within the community. Must possess a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles.
May encounter situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure the safety of oneself or others.
You will communicate with Oregon residents frequently over the phone and in-person.
This position requires a good attendance pattern.
May encounter angry, hostile, frustrated individuals as well as those with behavioral or cognitive challenges.
Fast paced environment with constantly evolving policies and procedures. Repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, and daily computer and technology use.
Application Materials and Process
Your application materials are used to determine your starting salary range. Please ensure that all education and experience you would like considered are included in your application materials. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. You can attach multiple files in this area at once.
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. 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.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: 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.
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 Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions.
Recruiter: Sugei Hernandez
Email: Sugei.Hernandez@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone (call or text): 971-375-8675.
Job Requisition Number: REQ-195689.
#J-18808-Ljbffr