Initial Posting Date:
05/08/2026Application Deadline:
05/18/2026Agency:
Department of Human ServicesSalary Range:
$4,519 - $5,988 monthlyPosition Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) English/Chuukese bilingual requiredJob Description:
Public Benefits Specialist / REQ-199521
Salary Range: $3,798 - $4,954
Salem (4600 25th Ave NE)
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.
To qualify for this position, you must be bilingual in both English and Chuukese. The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements for this position. Upon passing the test(s), you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay of the employee’s base pay.
OPPORTUNITY AWAITS!
Would you like the opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources? Would you enjoy working with a diverse team that collaborates and learns together in service of children, families, and communities? If so, step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty—become a key player in the Oregon Eligibility Partnership and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
This position performs eligibility determinations, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates to changes for Oregon Department of Human Servies (ODHS), Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) programs including: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP), medical benefits (OHP), Medicaid Long-Term Care Financial Eligibility Benefits, Medicare Savings Plans (MSP), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors(TA- DVS), Able Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD), and other cash benefits. In addition to determining eligibility for these programs, eligibility workers are responsible for accurate and timely eligibility determinations across the state to ensure recipients meet program requirements for all OEP programs.
Major duties include:
Determining Program Eligibility
As an Eligibility Worker with the Abled Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) Service Delivery and Supports Eligibility Unit, you will work as part of the Salem Virtual Eligibility Center (VEC) assisting Oregonians.
Be responsible for monitoring and maintaining all active ABAWD cases across the state to ensure recipients meet the work requirements, determine if recipients meet an exception to work requirements, and to monitor how long recipients are on the program.
Conduct phone or in person interviews for Oregonians, collecting household details, current income, current resources, and other applicant information necessary to determine their social, habilitative, rehabilitative, therapeutic, food, medical, and safety needs.
Conduct collateral interviews or review supplemental materials as needed to make eligibility determination for applicable ODHS programs.
Utilize all applicable forms, computer systems, tools, and resources to make eligibility determinations at intake, when an Oregon renews benefits, and or when a recipient reports changes to household.
Explain applicant rights and responsibilities during the initial application interview and when benefits are changed and renewed.
Make appropriate referrals to other ODHS programs and resources.
Process data in a timely manner to ensure delivery of benefits and services.
Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants and send all required notifications within the appropriate timeframe.
Complete redetermination, periodic reviews, and change updates within federal timeframes and within appropriate intervals.
Ensure appropriate documentation and forms are completed and sent, information is captured correctly, and actions taken are notated.
Explore and provide other community resource options and referrals.
Ensure that service delivery is provided in a culturally competent way; provide communication to Oregonians in their preferred language/format by utilizing printed materials available in different languages/formats and use of language services available.
Problem solves issues that Oregonians or other staff may have around their case and eligibility.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position will work completely remotely as part of the Virtual Eligibility Center. Work hours are Monday - Friday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (PST) This ongoing work schedule is not negotiable.
Your training schedule will be 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday PDT/PST.
Occasional overtime may be available.
Travel may be required to meet business needs or to attend employee training classes. Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or creative solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.
This position requires a good attendance pattern and appropriate use of accrued paid leave to ensure workload coverage for vacations and other leaves, as well as acceptable customer service for the Oregonians we serve.
You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit anger, frustration, or challenges in controlling their emotions as well as those with behavioral or cognitive challenges.
Employees in these positions may be required to work a flexible work schedule as a condition of employment. This is understood to mean that the hours of work may vary and could include evenings and weekends under certain circumstances. This position will be on the phone regularly or process work electronically. Work schedule specifics will be determined by the hiring supervisor.
Fast paced environment with constantly evolving policies and procedures. Repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, and daily computer and technology use.
Work may be reviewed by leads, supervisors, Quality Assurance, audits, or through other quality activities such as reviewing information in ONE or phone calls with Oregonians.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQ's):
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.
Class concept:
Public Benefit Specialists in the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) determine eligibility for medical, food, cash, and childcare programs using the ONE system. They help individuals and families understand and access services by gathering information, applying program rules, and providing clear, trauma‑informed guidance. As the first point of contact in many offices, they support customers in person, by phone, and online while fostering a welcoming and culturally responsive environment. Specialists work collaboratively within their team to complete eligibility tasks, answer inquiries, and connect people with community resources, contributing to stability and improved well‑being for Oregonians.
ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES:
We are looking for candidates with:
Must be bilingual in English/Chuukese and pass the language test.
Demonstrated experience adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment with frequently changing processes while successfully prioritizing work and attending to detail.
Experience using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.
Experience working in a fast-paced environment with a demonstrated level of integrity
ATTENTION ALL CANDIDATES!
To help us better understand your qualifications and fit for this role, please include a brief response to each of the essential attributes in your application materials. Your responses should highlight specific examples from your experience that demonstrate how you meet each attribute. This information will be used as part of the evaluation process.
Please make sure your application materials, resume or job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. Note: Your cover letter (if requested) and resume 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.
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
Amazing benefits package.
Cost of Living Adjustments.
Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE
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).
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.
CONTACT INFORMATION
We invite you to contact ADA.DHS@dhsoha.state.or.us for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.
The recruiter for this position is Jennifer Moisa. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition (REQ) number listed at the top of this job post.
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