Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist)

About the role

The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is the dedicated program for ensuring coordinated responsibility occurs in determining timely eligibility benefits for Oregonians seeking supports related to health, food security, employment, and cash benefits. This 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), and Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS) while following the principles of Oregonian focused, Customer Service, Equity and Inclusion, Standardization, and Efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Conduct 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.
• Utilize all applicable forms, computer systems, tools, and resources to make eligibility determinations at intake, when an Oregonian renews benefits, and/or when a recipient reports changes to household.
• Ensure appropriate documentation and forms are completed and sent, information is captured correctly, and actions taken are notated.
• Complete redetermination, periodic reviews, and change updates within federal timeframes and within appropriate intervals.
• Provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.
• Maintain working knowledge of programs and community resources and provide information and referrals to applicable parties.
• 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.

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

• Experience with intermediate-level computer skills using systems and software applications to enter, retrieve, and manage information.
• Experience planning, prioritizing, and completing work efficiently while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
• Experience conveying complex information clearly and professionally, both verbally and in written form to diverse audiences.
• Experience adapting with ease to changing environments and priorities.

Working Conditions

• Work schedule is 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday Pacific Standard Time (PST); occasional overtime may be available.
• Employees may be required to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends under certain circumstances.
• Position is assigned to the Store Front Office incumbent working in an office environment in person; work is often interrupted and noise levels can be high.
• May process work electronically; schedule specifics determined by the hiring supervisor.
• Travel may be required to meet business needs or attend employee training classes; must possess a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record to use state vehicles.
• Must maintain a good attendance pattern and use accrued paid leave to ensure workload coverage and acceptable customer service.
• Interact with a wide range of people, including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions; may encounter stressful situations requiring quick decision-making to ensure safety.
• 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, a criminal history and background check will be conducted; adverse results may lead to disqualification. Within three days of hire, completion of the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States is required. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm work authorization.