Initial Posting Date:
03/12/2026Application Deadline:
03/25/2026Agency:
Department of Human ServicesSalary Range:
$4,519 - $5,988 monthlyPosition Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
VEC Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist), Vietnamese/English bilingual requiredJob Description:
Chúng tôi tự hào là Nhà tuyển dụng có Cơ hội Bình đẳng. Chúng tôi đang nỗ lực để xây dựng một cơ quan công bằng với Equity North Star làm kim chỉ nam hướng tới tầm nhìn của chúng tôi về một cơ quan không phân biệt chủng tộc, phân biệt đối xử và thiên vị. Chúng tôi tin rằng các nhóm trong đó mọi người có thể thể hiện đúng con người thật của họ là chìa khóa để tạo ra một lực lượng lao động thịnh vượng có thể phục vụ cộng đồng tốt hơn. Chúng tôi hoan nghênh thành viên đến từ các nhóm chủng tộc/sắc tộc, phụ nữ, người khuyết tật, cựu chiến binh, thành viên cộng đồng LGBTQIA2S+ và những người khác đăng ký.
Bilingual requirement English and Vietnamese:
This position requires duties to be completed in both English and Vietnamese. The job offer will be contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in the bilingual requirements of the position. This position may receive a 5% differential pay based on passing the required language test.
Information session
Interested in learning more about this position? Attend our information session! The hiring manager, an Eligibility team member and recruiter will share information and answer questions. Please note, this information session is not part of the interview process. If you plan to attend and need an accommodation, please send requests in advance to alissa.walker@odhs.oregon.gov. If you are unable to attend and would like a copy of the recorded session, please send requests to alissa.walker@odhs.oregon.gov.
Thursday, March 19th from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Pacific Time
Link to register: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/wzR1sH0CQqGigkVI_4Cv1g
Opportunity awaits! The Virtual Eligibility Center (VEC) team is seeking talented individuals who have experience interviewing applicants to determine eligibility for programs and services through a trauma informed lens. If you are looking for a meaningful career that serves Oregon’s most vulnerable community members, apply today to join our team!
Please note: Our supervisors work together as a team for larger scale hiring efforts, such as this one. If invited to interview, you may interview with a different supervisor than the future direct supervisor. After the interviews are complete, the top selected candidates will be assigned and connected to an ongoing, direct supervisor who will conduct reference checks and guide the top candidate through the Equal Pay, Background Check and Offer letter steps of the recruitment process.
Summary of Duties
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 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.
As an Eligibility Worker, you will:
Interview applicants by phone to gather and assess information for benefits we administer, such as Domestic Violence services, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Long Term Care (LTC) services, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), and various Medicaid (Health insurance) programs.
Perform eligibility determinations, redeterminations, and periodic reviews.
Assist callers over the phone who are receiving or 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.
Create a work environment where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated and valued.
Participate in professional development opportunities and ongoing education of cultural awareness.
Minimum Qualifications
One (1) year of experience working at the Human Services Specialist 1 level for the State of Oregon; OR
Two (2) 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 (6) 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 sustaining focus, engagement, and productivity during extended periods of virtual learning and computer-based work.
Intermediate computer proficiency with online research tools, digital communication and navigating multiple web-based platforms to reconcile and validate data.
Experience using sound judgment, a trauma informed approach and cultural responsiveness to identify successful solutions to problems.
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 independently managing workload using time management, organization, and prioritization skills to consistently meet deadlines.
Attention all candidates! A cover letter encouraged (but not required)!
Your resume (optional) and cover letter (encouraged) may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application.
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 hiring process and will be used to determine your starting salary range if you are selected as a final candidate.
Please include detailed work history that includes the month/year start date and month/year end date for each role/job. If applicable for college degrees, please clearly indicate if a degree has been completed when providing educational history (graduation dates are not required on applications).
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.
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 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.
Working Conditions
Your work schedule will be 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday – Friday PST. This ongoing work schedule is not negotiable and will not be adjusted to accommodate other time zones.
Your training schedule will be 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday PST.
This position is fully remote. Approval of out-of-state remote work will be made on a case-by-case basis and may be informed by factors that include legal compliance obligations of the other state. Remote work outside of the 50 United States of America and the District of Columbia is prohibited, per policy 50.050.01.
The ability to report to a local branch office may be required when training, business or operational needs are dependent on onsite activities. Travel expenses are not provided, nor reimbursable for remote work employees per travel policy paragraph 105: https://www.oregon.gov/das/Financial/Acctng/Documents/40.10.00.pdf
You will communicate with customers over the phone and process work electronically using multiple computer screens and databases for prolonged periods of each workday.
You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may be experiencing emotional and/or financial distress.
Consistent attendance is essential.
Flexibility/adaptability is essential due to a changing environment with regular policy, program, and technical adjustments.
Occasional overtime may be offered depending on business need.
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’ and Oregon National Guard preference:
Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.
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 Alissa Walker. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number:
Email: ALISSA.WALKER@odhs.oregon.gov
Phone (call or text): 503-519-1807