Public Benefits Specialist Bilingual Preferred EnglishSpanish at State of Oregon

Initial Posting Date: 12/08/2025Application Deadline:12/22/2025Agency:Department of Human ServicesSalary Range:$4409 - $5842Position Type:EmployeePosition Title:Public Benefits Specialist - Bilingual Preferred English/SpanishJob Description:The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by ourEquity North Starand our vision for a positiveRiSE organizational culturethat 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 interested in using your bilingual language skills upon passing the test you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay.Opportunity awaits!Looking for meaningful work with real impact Join a dedicated team supporting Oregonians through a community-centered data-informed approach that addresses social determinants of health and creates lasting change.As an Eligibility Worker you will work in the Pendleton Branch assisting Oregonians in-person.Summary of DutiesAs an Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) you will: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 by email to gather information needed to assess and determine if there is a need for services and benefits.Assessing client family strengths and needs connecting families to other resources and programs.You will update narrative report summarizing new information from client and collateral sources findings of home visit and conclusions.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; ORTwo years of experience working with the public providing assistance and interpreting and applying policies rules or guidelines; ORAn 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; ORAn equivalent combination of education training and experience relative to the class concept.Essential AttributesWe are looking for candidates with:Prior experience working in a human or social services setting interviewing customers.Experience using basic mathematics in a professional setting with a high accuracy rate.Experience preparing and maintaining thorough client records and narratives.Experience in communicating both verbally and in writing complex and technical information in an understandable language to individuals with diverse educational linguistic cultural backgrounds.Experience interpreting and applying rules and regulations to your daily work.Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.Working Conditions Work is conducted in offices and other program sites.May interact with clients who are under emotional or financial stress.May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.This position works in the storefront office.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. 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 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 Securitys 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.May require a valid drivers license or other acceptable method of transportation.BenefitsODHS 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). The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible the salary range will increase by 6.95%.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 Yvette Medford. If you contact the recruiter please include the job requisition number.Email: Phone (call or text): Come for a job. Stay for a career. Make a difference... for a lifetime!Required Experience:IC Key Skills Customer Service,Fmla,HIPAA,Microsoft Outlook,Benefits Administration,HRIS,Payroll,Employment & Labor Law,ADP,Human Resources,Phone Etiquette,Workday Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 4409 - 5842