State of Oregon · 9 hours ago
Public Benefits Specialist (Benefit & Eligibility Worker)
Salem, OR
Full-time
Onsite
Entry Level
$4,519/mo - $5,988/mo
1+ years expThe State of Oregon's Department of Human Services is committed to equity and diversity and is looking for a Public Benefits Specialist to support Oregonians in-person at their Florence branch. This role involves performing eligibility determinations, interviewing applicants, and connecting families to community resources while maintaining a compassionate and professional approach.
GovernmentNon ProfitPublic SafetySocial
No H1B
Responsibilities
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 and via our online applicant portal to gather information needed to assess and determine if there is a need for services and benefits
Assess client family strengths and needs, connect families to other community resources and programs
Update narrative report summarizing new information from client and collateral sources, findings of home visit, and conclusions
Serve a diverse range of customers with compassion and professionalism through a trauma informed lens
Qualification
Required
One year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist 1 level for the State of Oregon
Two years of experience working with the public, providing assistance and interpreting and applying policies, rules, or guidelines
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
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept
Demonstrated commitment to continued learning and the ability to promote a culture of equitable treatment, belonging, and commitment to fostering an anti-racist workplace
Experience completing tasks or projects timely in a fast-paced, high volume business setting and conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents for accuracy and follow up
Experience providing customer service in a professional environment to a high volume of diverse customers in a manner that demonstrates active listening and compassion
Experience explaining technical information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to individuals and groups who are unfamiliar with the subject and/or learn and communicate differently than you
Demonstrated experience in using computers, web browsers, and programs such as Excel, Word, Outlook, etc., experience should include using multiple systems in tandem for research, tracking data and results
Experience demonstrating active listening; listening to understand, retain information and applying lessons-learned to varying environments and situations; welcoming constructive feedback and suggestions to strengthen work performance
Demonstrated capacity to adapt to changes in the work environment including but not limited to: policies, programs, tools, and priorities
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.
Company
State of Oregon
Official LinkedIn page for the state of Oregon. Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
William Wise
Chief Executive Officer
Kate Nass
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2025-05-04
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