Public Benefits Specialist. Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred

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 English/Spanish Preferred  

We request you to be bilingual in English/Spanish Preferred but not required.  If chosen, you would be considered by passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual preference for this position. Upon passing the test(s), you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay. 

Opportunity Awaits! We're in search of leaders committed to promoting and fostering a diverse and qualified workforce where individuals feel welcome, appreciated, and valued for all they bring to the organization. We are seeking talented individuals who have experience interviewing applicants to determine eligibility, experience prioritizing work and attention to detail, experience communicating effectively and working with individuals of a diverse population. If you are looking for a new career, consider taking on a key role in our team as the Public Benefits Specialist for Gold Beach on the southwest Oregon Coast for the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).

1. Your work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST), on-site and in-person each working day at the Gold Beach, Oregon ODHS offices

About, Oregon Eligibility Partnership is the dedicated program for ensuring coordinated responsibility to ensure timely eligibility benefits for people who live in Oregon seeking supports related to health, food security, employment, and cash benefits. The intent of this program is to shift Oregon from a programmatically siloed state to an eligibility process that moves beyond integration and equality, to focus on equity of services and providing timely, accurate, and necessary eligibility determination’s, referring individuals who are denied or approved to the appropriate ongoing services in a more person-centered way. Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP). 

Summary of Duties

As a Public Benefits Specialist, you will:

• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.

• Conduct interviews with applicants applying for benefits, both in-person and over the phone.

• 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 of belonging, 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

We are looking for candidates with:

• 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 using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines. 

• Experience providing customer service that is person centered, and trauma informed.  

• Demonstrated experience with technical skills that include basic computer and search engine knowledge, email communication and learning new web-based platforms.

• Experience working as a member of a team including, developing meaningful relationships that foster trust, inclusivity, belonging, and respect.

• Consistently conducts oneself in a manner that reflects well on both the individual and the organization, adhering to company policies, and treating everyone with respect

Attention all candidates! A cover letter is encouraged. Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials can help 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 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.

Working Conditions

• Your work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST), on-site and in-person each working day.

• Occasional overtime may be offered depending on business need.

• This position requires consistent attendance.

• This position interacts with people experiencing a wide range of trauma who may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions and behaviors, requiring good conflict de-escalation skills.

• This position involves in-person contact, phone contact, and processes work electronically throughout the day utilizing multiple databases and is a fast-paced environment.

• Constantly changing environment with flexibility needed due to regular policy, program, and technical adjustments.

• Prolonged sitting in a cubicle / workstation and prolonged use of computer / multiple screens throughout the day. 

• Travel may be required to meet business needs or to attend employee training classes.

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.

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: [email protected]