Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3) | Bilingual preferred, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish

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! Join a team dedicated to ensuring fairness, accuracy, and timely access to essential services for individuals and families in need. As an Eligibility Worker, you will play a crucial role in conducting assessments, redeterminations, periodic reviews, and updates—helping recipients maintain eligibility across all OEP programs. Your work has a direct impact on fostering equity, well-being, and stability in communities across the state. 

We are seeking a dedicated Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3) | Bilingual preferred, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish to join our dedicated Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) team in Oregon City. 

Bilingual Preferred:  

• English/Russian 

• English/Ukrainian 

• English/Spanish 

You do not need to be bilingual to apply or be considered for this position. If you are bilingual, we encourage you to apply! We serve diverse communities and recognize the importance of serving people in their preferred language. If you are bilingual, you will receive 5% bilingual differential pay of the employee’s base pay upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency. 

Together, we can create lasting change!  

Summary of Duties 

The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services. OEP supports state staff who determine eligibility for people applying for and receiving medical, food, cash, and childcare benefits. It also manages the ONE Eligibility System used to process applications and deliver benefits to eligible individuals and families in Oregon. One in three people in Oregon receive benefits through the ONE Eligibility System. OEP administers the ONE Eligibility system in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).  

As an Eligibility Worker, you will: 

• Conduct phone or in person interviews to gather household details, income, resources, and other key information to assess their eligibility for OEP programs.  

• Conduct collateral interviews or review supplemental materials as needed to make eligibility determination for applicable ODHS programs.  

• Use relevant forms, computer systems, and tools to determine eligibility at intake, during benefit renewals, and when recipients report household changes.  

• Explain applicant rights and responsibilities during the initial application interview and when benefits are changed and renewed.  

• Process data in a timely manner to ensure delivery of benefits and services.  

• Provide triage, information, and referrals:  

• Work closely and collaboratively with Oregonians, other agencies, medical providers, and community partners to provide benefits, services and information.  

• In supporting Oregonians, provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.  

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 adapting communication style to explain complex information such as rules or procedures verbally and in writing to diverse audiences. 

• Experience interviewing customers/clients to elicit pertinent information and determine eligibility.  

• Experience cooperating within a team to find solutions and make decisions that support agency goals.  

• Experience working with people under emotional and/or financial stress and from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.  

• Experience completing technical and detailed work using basic mathematics and software tools while maintaining accuracy.  

• Experience communicating decisions regarding the approval or denial of benefits while engaging diverse populations and individuals that face communication challenges.  

• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying policies and regulations in a work environment with frequently changing processes. 

Attention all candidates!  

• A cover letter is required. 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, including your 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 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. 

• The use of outside resources such as  Artificial Intelligence (AI) 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. 

• Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application. 

• The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. Immediately after you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.  

Working Conditions  

• Work Locations: In-office position in Oregon City. 

• Work Environment: The office consists of cubicles, leading to frequent interruptions and a sometimes-high noise level. 

• This role involves frequent phone communication and electronic processing of work.   

• 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. 

• Hours: Regular work week with fluctuating hours; occasional overtime may be available. 

• Travel: 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 role involves handling sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma-informed approach that is essential to ensure a safe environment. 

• You may interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing their emotions. 

• Be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety for yourself and others. 

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. 

•  A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required for this position.   

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: 

• 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  

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 ​Nadja Rue​. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-189747.