Benefit and Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3)

Initial Posting Date: 04/06/2023 Application Deadline: 04/17/2023 Agency: Department of Human Services Salary Range: $3,265 - $4,913 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Benefit and Eligibility Worker (Human Services Specialist 3) Job Description: We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are actively working to build an equitable agency with the Equity North Star as our guide toward our vision of an agency free of racism, discrimination, and bias. We believe that teams in which everyone can show up as their full authentic self are key to creating a thriving workforce that can better serve communities. We welcome members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S community members, and others to apply. Do you want the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of Oregonians in need of resources to achieve wellbeing? Do you want to be part of a diverse workforce that collaborates and learns from each other to improve services that support children, families, and communities? If you want a career that makes a difference in the lives of more than 1 million Oregonians, we invite you to apply today! Do you have bilingual language skills in Spanish, Vietnamese and/or Russian? If so, you may be eligible for an additional 5% bilingual pay differential. While this position does not require bilingual language skills, there is a need in the communities that we serve, and all are encouraged to apply. We are a seeking Benefit and Eligibility Worker to join our Gold Beach - Self Sufficiency team. All work will be conducted in-office. Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), A place to belong and make a difference! When you join the ODHS, you join a community of over 10,000 employees dedicated to serving and helping Oregonians achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice, and preserve dignity. Connect with ODHS Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and find a place to belong, build community and participate in shared learning. ERGs are employee-driven committees that support each other as well as the ODHS’ overall mission and vision. We are committed to building an antiracist and equitable agency. Equity is foundational to our role as a human services agency and we are committed to integrating equity into all we do. The Equity North Star has four points that explain the agency's goals related to equity, inclusion, and racial justice. We know that life is unpredictable and ODHS cares about keeping you well. Enjoy a work-life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, and competitive benefits packages including health, dental, vision and much more! What you need to qualify 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 that are applicable to the client's situation. Any college courses may be substituted for the two years of general experience on a year-for-year basis (45 quarter hours is equivalent to one year of experience.) A photocopy of your transcripts must be attached to your application materials if using college courses to meet the minimum qualifications. Individuals with bilingual language skills are encouraged to apply but is not a requirement for this position. Bilingual differential pay is contingent upon passing test(s) evaluating your proficiency in a language other than English. You must clearly show that you meet the minimum qualifications in your application or resume to be considered for an interview. Your application or resume will be used in determining what pay salary step you fall in with the pay equity assessment, so complete work and education history is helpful. Essential attributes We are looking for candidates with: Experience communicating complex decisions, rules, policies, and procedures to a non-technical audience. Experience working with diverse populations. Ability to work well and thrive in a team environment, make joint decisions in support of the Dept. mission. Ability to complete highly technical and detailed work including tasks, duties, projects, and obligations with deadlines, and that produce high-quality results. Experience prioritizing a high-volume workload. Often completing repetitive tasks and job functions. Experience eliciting pertinent information in interviewing situations while maintaining the customers dignity and respect. Ability to work objectively and in a supportive way with people under emotional and financial stress. Experience daily with confidential and sensitive information. Possess technical skills that include basic computer and search engine knowledge, ability to communicate verbal and in written communications, such as email, texts, reports, etc. Please be sure to clearly describe how you meet these attributes within your application materials. These attributes will be used to determine which candidates will be selected to move forward in the process. Your duties at a glance The Self Sufficiency Offices help with food benefits (SNAP), cash for families (TANF), childcare assistance (ERDC), medical, refugee services, and domestic violence services. Self-Sufficiency Programs Mission: To provide a safety net, family stability and a connection to careers that guide Oregonians out of poverty. As a Benefit and Eligibility Worker, you will: Interview applicants and recipients to determine eligibility requirements for agency programs and resources. Determine initial eligibility for Medicaid, Aging and People with Disabilities Financial Eligibility, TANF, SNAP, Medical and Employment Related Day Care applicants. Refer Oregonians to Family Coaches when Domestic Violence services may be of assistance. Assess client family strengths and needs, connect families to other resources and programs. Update narrative report summarizing new information from client and collateral sources, findings of home visit, and conclusions. Working conditions Limited physical exertion. May require being at a terminal or telephone for prolonged periods of the workday. May interact with clients who are under emotional or financial stress. All work will be conducted in-office. Work schedule will be: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Application instructions & requirements Your work history profile and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and demonstrate your skills, lived and/or work experience that shows you are an excellent candidate for the position. Please upload a resume or complete the work history profile. Note: Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. Current State of Oregon employees: Apply via your employee Workday account. If you are not a current State of Oregon employee, view this application instructional video. After you submit your application, you will have additional tasks to complete in Workday. Please continue to check your Workday account throughout the recruitment process. Additional requirements Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history and abuse check. Adverse background information will be reviewed and could result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer or termination of employment. 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. May require a valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation. Helpful information This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies. Have questions about Workday, and want some tips on understanding the state application process? Check out our Oregon job opportunities page. If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact Haili Mahoe via email haili.mahoe@odhs.oregon.gov. Please be sure to include the job requisition number. Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”