Eligibility Worker (Public Benefit Specialist) Salem

Initial Posting Date: 09/08/2026Application Deadline:09/15/2026Agency:Department of Human ServicesSalary Range:$4,519 - $5,988Position Type:EmployeePosition Title:Eligibility Worker (Public Benefit Specialist) SalemJob 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.Opportunity awaits! Imagine a future where navigating essential services like healthcare, food, and childcare support is seamless for every Oregonian. Welcome to the Oregon Eligibility Partnership, where equity meets efficiency in eligibility determination.Summary of DutiesThe Oregon Eligibility Partnership is a dedicated program that focuses on providing a coordinated service strategy that is designed to ensure the timely delivery of eligibility benefits for people who live in Oregon. Because many clients have multiple needs, the department is integrating equitable services, seeking to bring a broad range of supports within easy reach of each client or family. This approach, recognized as pioneering in the nation, requires close collaboration among staff within the department and with local governments, Tribes, service providers and other partners.The primary focus of this program is making eligibility determinations for medical programs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS) while following the principles of Oregonian focused, Customer Service, Equity and Inclusion, Standardization, and Efficiency.Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through theOregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP). As an Eligibility Worker, you will:Conduct interviews or review supplemental materials as needed to make eligibility determination for applicable ODHS programs.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.Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants and send all required notifications within the appropriate timeframe.In supporting Oregonians, provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.Handle and protect sensitive and confidential information as well as Oregonian and agency data appropriately.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:Experience remaining adaptable and patient as priorities and business needs shift throughout the day.Experience conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.Experience collaborating and communicating effectively both verbally and in writing with customers, colleagues, and diverse communities.Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment with frequently changing priorities.Experience with Microsoft Suite – emphasis on Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel applications.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 Your work schedule will be 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday Pacific Standard Time (PST). Occasional overtime may be available.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 is assigned to the Store Front Office. The incumbent will be working in an office environment in person. The office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and where the noise level is sometimes high.This position may be on the phone regularly or process work electronically. Work schedule specifics will be determined by the hiring supervisor.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 challenges in controlling their emotions. You may encounter stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety of yourself and others. 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.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.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’ 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.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%.Contact Information Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions.Please include the job requisition number when making an inquiry.Recruiter: Nora Leyva EsquivelEmail:View email address on click.appcast.io: 503-269-4222SummaryLocation: Salem | DHS | Winema PlaceType: Full time