Eligibility Worker, Human Services Specialist 3, Bilingual/English/Spanish (Oregon State Government)

Job Description

Initial Posting Date:

10/22/2024

Application Deadline:

11/03/2024

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$3,776 - $5,232

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Eligibility Worker, Human Services Specialist 3, Bilingual/English/Spanish

Job Description:

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.

This position is bilingual and requires duties to be done in both English and Spanish. Job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position. Bilingual differential pay is provided to positions that require to use a language other than English to fulfill their job duties within their position. Bilingual differential pay is 5% of the employee's base pay.

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 Oregon Eligibility Partnership

Is a program within ODHS that determines eligibility for people living in Oregon who apply for medical, food, cash, and childcare benefits through the ONE eligibility system.  OEP plays critical part of the eligibility process that moves beyond integration and equality, to focus on equity of services and providing timely, accurate, and necessary eligibility determinations through a person-centered approach.  Learn more about our programs, as your work providing services will be through the Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP). 

Summary of Duties

As an (Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3), 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.
• Proficiency in both English and Spanish languages is required.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

• Proficiency in both English and Spanish languages.
• Managing workloads which require attention to detail, particularly with reviewing confidential client information such as financial and medical records and other documents.
• Gathering complex information from customers to determine their eligibility for various services that may meet their needs.
• Technical skills including accurate data entry, overall computer and search engine knowledge, email communication and learning multiple new web-based platforms.
• Providing equitable and compassionate customer service that is person-centered and trauma-informed, demonstrating active listening, understanding and respect for various cultural identities and values.
• Collaborating with a team as well as working independently.
• Adapting one’s communication style, both verbally and in writing, to explain program policies and rules to diverse audiences.
• Using time management, organization and time prioritization skills to meet agency and program deadlines.

Attention all applicants! Please submit a cover letter, not exceeding two pages. Kindly detail how you fulfill the requirement for Spanish/English bilingual proficiency and explain how your experience positions you as the most suitable candidate for the role.

Working Conditions

• This position is a full-time in office position based at the Estacada ODHS office.
• Occasional coverage may be required at other offices within the district (Clackamas County) based on staffing callouts, etc.
• 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.
• Proficiency in both English and Spanish languages is required.

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-168005
• 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.