Benefit and Eligibility Worker, Human Services Specialist 3 (Oregon State Government)

Job Description

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The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our 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 us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

If your primary residence is in Malheur County, you may choose to receive 5 percent preference points. The application process includes a required question where you can indicate if you’d like to receive preference or not.

While not required, preference may be given to candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and English.

Opportunity Awaits! We're in search of leaders committed to promoting and fostering a diverse and qualified workforce where individuals feel welcome, appreciated, and valued for all they bring to the organization. If you have who have experience interviewing applicants to determine eligibility, experience prioritizing work and attending to detail and experience communicating effectively and working with individuals of a diverse population, consider taking on a key role in our team as the (Eligibility Worker, Human Service Specialist 3, Office of Oregon Eligibility Partnership) for the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).

About the program

The Oregon Eligibility Partnership is the dedicated program for ensuring coordinated responsibility to ensure timely eligibility benefits for people who live in Oregon seeking supports related to health, food security, employment, and cash benefits. The intent of this program is to shift Oregon from a programmatically siloed state to an eligibility process that moves beyond integration and equality, to focus on equity of services and providing timely, accurate, and necessary eligibility determination’s, referring individuals who are denied or approved to the appropriate ongoing services in a more person-centered way. Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP). 

Summary of Duties

As a Benefit & Eligibility Worker, you will:

• Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.
• Conduct interviews with applicants applying for benefits.
• 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 where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated and valued.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and ongoing education of cultural awareness.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of experience determining eligibility for an agency program by interviewing to assess the needs of clients and interpreting and applying the policies, rules, and guidelines applicable to the client's situation.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience relative to the class concept.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• 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.
• Demonstrated experience developing meaningful relationships that foster trust, inclusivity, and respect. 

Working Conditions

• This position is in-office full-time, with the potential for a hybrid work arrangement. The availability of a hybrid schedule will be contingent upon the business or operational needs.
• This position will require occasional community visits.
• Occasional overtime may be offered depending on business need.
• This position requires consistent attendance.
• This position interacts with people experiencing a wide range of trauma who may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions and behaviors, requiring good conflict de-escalation skills.
• This position involves both in-person contact and extensive phone contact, and processes work electronically throughout the day utilizing multiple databases.
• Constantly changing environment with flexibility needed due to regular policy, program, and technical adjustments.
• Prolonged sitting in a cubicle / workstation and prolonged use of computer / multiple screens throughout the day. 

Background Checks and Requirements

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.
• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. 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.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Amazing benefits package.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.

Employment Preference

Veterans’ preference:

• Veterans’ preference information.
• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

General Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

• The recruiter for this position is Nora Leyva Esquivel. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-168074.
• Email: Nora.L.LEYVA-ESQUIVEL@odhs.oregon.gov
• We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.