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), 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 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.
• 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.
• In supporting Oregonians, 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 problem-solving and transitioning between tasks in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Experience with remaining adaptable and patient as priorities and business needs shift throughout the day.
• Experience with detail-oriented work, including data entry and document review.
• Experience effectively collaborating with customers, colleagues, and communities while honoring their lived experience.

Working Conditions

• 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, which may include evenings and weekends under certain circumstances.
• This position is assigned to the Store Front Office incumbent who will be working in an office environment in person. The office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise levels are sometimes high.
• This position may be on the phone regularly or process work electronically.
• 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.
• 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, a criminal history and background check will be conducted. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification.

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.