Public Benefits Specialist. Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred
About the role
The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist to join the Gold Beach office on the southwest Oregon Coast. The position is part of the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP), which aims to streamline eligibility processes and provide timely, accurate, and necessary services.
Responsibilities
- Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.
- Conduct interviews with applicants applying for benefits, both in-person and over the phone.
- Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants.
- Provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.
- Be responsible for accurate and timely eligibility determinations across the state.
- Create a work environment of belonging, where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated, and valued.
- Participate in professional development opportunities and ongoing education of cultural awareness.
Requirements
- 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 conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
- Experience adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
- Experience using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to meet deadlines.
- Experience providing customer service that is person centered, and trauma informed.
- Demonstrated experience with technical skills that include basic computer and search engine knowledge, email communication and learning new web-based platforms.
- Experience working as a member of a team including, developing meaningful relationships that foster trust, inclusivity, belonging, and respect.
- Consistently conducts oneself in a manner that reflects well on both the individual and the organization, adhering to company policies, and treating everyone with respect.
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.
Skills
Technical skills that include basic computer and search engine knowledge, email communication and learning new web-based platforms.
Benefits
- Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
- Awarded 5% bilingual differential pay for bilingual applicants.
- Cost of Living Adjustments.
- Amazing benefits package.
- Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Pay
$4,519 - $5,988 per month.
Schedule
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST), on-site and in-person each working day.
Contact Information
We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions, or job-specific questions. The recruiter for this position is Brent Lawrence. Email: brent.lawrence@odhs.oregon.gov