Benefits & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) Bilingual English/Russian or English/Ukrainian Preferred - Not Required

Initial Posting Date:

03/24/2026

Application Deadline:

03/31/2026

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,519 - $5,988

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Benefits & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) Bilingual English/Russian or English/Ukrainian Preferred - Not Required

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.

We are seeking a dedicated Benefit & Eligibility Worker (Public Benefits Specialist) | Bilingual English/Russian or English/Ukrainian preferred - not required! to join our Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) team in Oregon City, Oregon.

Bilingual English/Russian or English/Ukrainian preferred:

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.

Opportunity awaits! Would you like an opportunity to make a positive impact on Oregonians in need of support and resources?  Would you enjoy working with a diverse team that is passionate about serving children, families, and communities? If so, we’d love to hear from you! 

Summary of Duties

As a Benefit & Eligibility Worker, you will:

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

• Complete redetermination, periodic reviews, and change updates within federal timeframes and within appropriate intervals.

• Ensure appropriate documentation and forms are completed and sent, information is captured correctly, and actions taken are notated.

• Communicate eligibility decisions to applicants and send all required notifications within the appropriate timeframe.

• Provide person-centered services with a trauma-informed approach to identify needs.

• Handle and protect sensitive and confidential information as well as Oregonian and agency data appropriately.

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

• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities, processes, or information and learn new tasks or procedures.

• Experience interpreting and applying policies and procedures to complete work or respond to customer or service inquiries.

• Experience interviewing customers/clients to elicit pertinent.

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

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

Preference will be given to candidates that are bilingual in English/Russian or English/Ukrainian.

Attention all candidates! A Cover Letter is Required. Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials, cover letter and resume. 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

• Your work schedule will be 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday Pacific Standard Time (PST). Occasional overtime may be available.

• 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.

• 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.

• This position may be on the phone regularly or process work electronically. Work schedule specifics will be determined by the hiring supervisor.

• 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.

• You will interact with a wide range of people including some who have experienced trauma and may exhibit challenges in controlling their emotions. 

• You may encounter stressful situations that require quick decision-making to ensure safety of yourself and others.  

• 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.

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.

• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.

Contact Information

Please contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and application or Job-specific questions.

Please include the job requisition number: REQ-197261.

• Recruiter: Adrian Ortiz

• Email: Adrian.X.Ortiz@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 541-408-6557