Public Benefits Specialist | Bilingual Preferred English/Spanish

About the role

The Oregon Department of Human Services is guided by its Equity North Star and 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 achieve a diverse and inclusive community.

Bilingual Preferred – English & Spanish. You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered. If you are bilingual, upon passing the test you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay.

This is a rewarding career opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team supporting Oregonians in the Ontario office, a rural eastern Oregon location near the Idaho border.

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 and by phone to gather information needed to assess and determine if there is a need for services and benefits.
• Assess client family strengths and needs, connecting families to other resources and programs.
• Update narrative report summarizing new information from client and collateral sources, findings of home visit, and conclusions.

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 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 communicating complex and technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing, to people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience preparing and maintaining thorough client records and narratives.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment.
• Demonstrated effectively prioritizing tasks and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Experience making decisions to resolve problems using independent judgment.
• Experience staying calm and professional when working with applicants or clients in challenging or emotional situations.

Bilingual proficiency will be considered as a tiebreaker among equally qualified finalists.

Working Conditions

• Work schedule is a traditional work week, Monday–Friday.
• Work is conducted in offices and other program sites.
• May interact with clients who are under emotional or financial stress.
• May require sitting at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday.