Eligibility Worker; Public Benefits Specialist | Bilingual English​/Arabic

Overview

Position Title Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) | Bilingual English/Arabic preferred - not required.

Initial Posting Date 01/16/2026

Final date to receive applications 01/25/2026

Agency Department of Human Services

Salary Range $4,409.00 - $5,842.00

Position Type Employee

Job Description

The Oregon Department of Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 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.

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 a Benefit and Eligibility Worker
, you will:

Determine Program Eligibility

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

• 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

• Experience working in the community and with evaluating resources and services, while serving a diverse population.
• Experience communicating effectively and prioritizing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high attention to detail.
• Experience working with complex and shifting policies and procedures, and a demonstrated ability to remain flexible and willing to learn.
• Demonstrated willingness to uphold the ODHS Core Values, embracing anti-racism work and applying principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Experience utilizing multiple software systems, processing data, and problem solving all to meet accuracy and timeliness goals.

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…