Initial Posting Date:
08/13/2026
Application Deadline:
08/23/2026
Agency:
Department of Human Services
Salary Range:
$4,519 - $5,988
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Public Benefits Specialist
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.
Opportunity awaits! Would you like the opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources? Would you enjoy working with a diverse team that collaborates and learns together in service of children, families, and communities? If so, step into a role where your efforts directly empower Oregonians to rise above poverty—become a key player in the Oregon Eligibility Partnership and facilitate access to vital services that foster equity and well-being.
Summary of Duties
As a Public Benefits Specialist you will:
Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) 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 a 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.
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
We are looking for candidates with:
Experience communicating decisions regarding the approval or denial of benefits or services and adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
Experience completing tasks or projects timely in a fast-paced, high volume business setting and conducting work that requires attention to detail, particularly with data entry and reviewing documents.
Experience handling confidential or sensitive situations and information with unwavering professionalism, holding self and others to high standards of honesty and integrity.
Demonstrated willingness to uphold the ODHS Core Values and experience providing customer service that is person centered and trauma informed manner through a diversity, equity, embracing anti-racism work and inclusion lens that exemplifies our Equity North Star values of inclusivity, equity, service and well-being.
Experience demonstrating active listening; listening to understand, retain information and applying lessons-learned to varying environments and situations; welcoming constructive feedback and suggestions to strengthen work performance.
Experience developing collaborative relationships that foster trust, inclusivity, and respect with internal and external partners.
Attention all candidates! Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.
Please make sure your application materials, resume and job history, are clearly outlined as this information will be used to determine your starting salary range. If you are selected as the final candidate and a degree is listed as a minimum qualification for the position, please be prepared to provide verification of your completed education before moving forward in the hiring process. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.
The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
Working Conditions
If this position is assigned to the Store Front Office incumbent will be working in an office environment in person. The office is constructed of cubicles, so work is often interrupted, and noise level is sometimes high.
Occasional overtime may be available.
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. Reasonable accommodations per the ADA or creative solutions in certain cases may be used to meet this need.
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.
May encounter angry, hostile, frustrated individuals as well as those with behavioral or cognitive challenges.
Employees in these positions may be required to work a flexible work schedule as a condition of employment. This is understood to mean that the hours of work may vary, and could include evenings and weekends under certain circumstances. Work schedule specifics will be determined by the hiring supervisor.
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.
Working hours are 8:15 to 5:15, Monday through Friday.
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.
Cost of Living Adjustments.
Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
Amazing benefits package.
Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Employment Preference
Veterans’ preference:
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
We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.
